Sept. 12, 2023 – NC Newsline and IndyWeek are reporting that The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is appealing Administrative Law Judge Donald Van der Vaart’s decision ordering the agency to issue a mining permit to Wake Stone by Sept. 12. The agency alleges that Van der Vaart ignored evidence, committed logical errors and misinterpreted state law when he ruled in favor of Wake Stone, which plans to expand its Triangle quarry to abut Umstead State Park in Raleigh. Last month, Van der Vaart issued a scathing ruling against DEQ, writing, “it would be difficult to imagine a set of facts more demonstrative of an arbitrary and capricious government action.” He ordered the state to grant the permit to Wake Stone, and pay Wake Stone’s attorney and witness fees, as well as other court-related costs. DEQ is now appealing to Wake Superior Court. Read the full story here.