The state is seeking public input on a permit application to allow permanent impacts to a stream on the slopes of Aetna Mountain for ongoing development of the River Gorge Ranch residential project in southeast Marion County.
According to the state Department of Environment and Conservation notice issued Wednesday, the permit application filed by Chattanooga developer John “Thunder” Thornton’s company, Thunder Enterprises, seeks to allow permanent impacts on about 800 lineal feet of an unnamed stream on the southern slope of the mountain, and the company plans to offset those impacts with wetland mitigation credits it has or will purchase.
The stream, which discharges when flowing into the Tennessee River on Nickajack Lake, is adjacent to the already-constructed entry road leading up the mountain to Thornton’s upscale housing project and a restaurant, according to permit documents. Dane Bradshaw, president of Thunder Enterprises, is seeking the aquatic resources alteration permit on behalf of the company.
(READ MORE: Riverdance restaurant opens in John ‘Thunder’ Thornton’s River Gorge Ranch)