PUBLIC HEARING
July 14
Martin Marietta Materials Castle Hayne Quarry Expansion: Major Wetland & Water Quality Impacts
Martin Marietta is seeking permission to expand the mining on its 1,400-acre quarry between Holly Shelter Road and the Northeast Cape Fear River east of Castle Hayne.
The proposed quarry expansion would impact nearly 143 acres of wetlands − more than twice the size of Wilmington's Halyburton Park − and 9.7 acres of open water, to allow the company to access additional underground limestone reserves used in the building of roads, driveways, and fill for other construction projects. The waters surrounding the quarry—Island Creek and the Northeast Cape Fear River—are critically important fish habitat that will be harmed by its expansion. These adverse impacts, plus the loss of wildlife habitat, degradation of groundwater, harm to neighboring wetlands, reduction of flood abatement capacity, and loss of recreational opportunities, will all directly impact members of the Castle Hayne community as well as the greater Cape Fear region in general.
Many environmental advocates requested extension of public comments & a public hearing - Sierra Club, Southern Environmental Law Center.
Public Hearing:
When: 6 p.m., July 14, 2026
Where: Heide Trask Senior High School auditorium, 14328 N.C. 210, Rocky Point, N.C., 28457
Register: Speaker registration opens at 5:30 p.m. onsite via sign-in sheet.
Register to attend with Cape Fear Sierra Club - to stay updated and receive talking points for public comment.