Hearing on the Umstead Coalition's Request to  Restore the Sunset Clause and Buffers-Wake Stone's Triangle Quarry

September 19, 2025
Wake County (old) Court House 10B (10th floor).
316 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601

The Sunset Clause to end the Triangle Quarry operations on Harrison Avenue by the Reedy Creek Park entrance by 2031— promised to Umstead State Park and the public and agreed to by Wake Stone Corporation in 1981 and subsequently in 8 Mining Permit Renewals and Modifications for 37 years — needs to be reinstated. 

After much delay caused by the State and Wake Stone, The Umstead Coalition finally had a trial before the same judge who refused to hear our case and then was forced by a Wake Superior Court Judge to hear our case (Office of Administrative Hearings, OAH, Judge van der Vaart).

Judge van der Vaart denied our request for DEQ to reinstate the Sunset Clause and protective buffers. Among other reasons, he stated that then Governor Jim Hunt and Attorney General Rufus Edmisten and DEQ did not have the right to add the Sunset Clause condition to the 1981 permit. what?! Interestingly, DEQ agrees with the Umstead Coalition that Sunset Clause was intentionally placed in the first 1981 permit and DEQ had the right to do such in 1981. Where we disagree is DEQ's contention they could remove the Sunset Clause in 2018 after this key public protection was in 9 mining permit renewals and modifications for 37 years until secretly removed in 2018.

The Umstead Coalition disagrees and appealed this ruling to the Wake County Superior Court.

We now have a hearing at Superior Court on our Appeal.

It is always good to have our supporters in the audience; it's a small
court room so 5 to 10 supporters makes an impact. Here's what to expect if you attend. Arrive at the courthouse by 10:45am, go through security and take the elevator to the 10th floor, Court Room 10B. You can come and go from the court room, but do try to minimize, no talking while court is in session. Sit behind the Umstead Coalition attorneys, likely on the right side facing the judge.

A good option for parking is the Wake County Municipal Parking Deck  216 W. Cabarrus St., on the corners of Davie, McDowell and Cabarrus streets.