View of existing Pagaccino quarry from the tower at Spannocchia
Dear Friends,
We are writing to you as a friend of Spannocchia who shares our concern about preserving the natural beauty and tranquility of this special corner of Tuscany. Perhaps on a recent visit to Spannocchia, while admiring the otherwise awe-inspiring view from the Tower, you have observed the dismaying consequences of the marble quarrying operation on the hill across the road from us. We have recently learned that permission has been requested to expand that activity significantly, destroying forest, doubling the size of the gaping hole in the Montagnola Senese (Sienese Hills), and replacing the natural tranquility of the place with the sounds of gigantic hydraulic hammers, bulldozers, and dump trucks.
A local organization has been opposing the quarrying operations in these hills for several years, but with very limited success. Randall and Daniela have met on three separate occasions with the mayor of the town of Sovicille, within which the quarry in question lies, but again with little success in limiting this activity. The Montagnola Senese has been classified as a zone of particular natural interest for not just the Region of Tuscany but for the entire European Community as well. Regulations indicate that mining operations in this area, due to its value as a historic zone and natural habitat, are allowed only in the case of retrieving precious traditional materials (marble) that have historically come from the location and can be found nowhere else. The rules further stipulate in the case of marble quarries, that at least 20% of their production must be of sizable blocks, as opposed to just broken rock which is used for fill and gravel. As you can see from the attached description, the Paggacino quarry in question does not seem to fit those criteria. Yet, the local administration has so far demonstrated, and shows indications of continuing, a tendency to support the proposals of the owner of the quarry, who apparently finds the operation very profitable for the sale of crushed stone and gravel, rather than those of us who favor the preservation of the natural quiet and beauty of the area.
We feel that this landscape is often recognized for its unique value more by visitors from afar than by certain locals, including some in positions of power and influence, who seem to discount, or simply take for granted, what we find so extraordinary. Perhaps if they knew how much it is appreciated by others from all over the world, they would understand its value lies in preserving it, not turning it into gravel. With this thought in mind, we ask you to consider taking a moment of your time to send a message to some of the authorities involved.
Following you will find a sample message, in both English and Italian, which you can copy and paste into an e-mail message, or print out to mail. Even better would be if you put into your own words your feelings on this issue. E and snail mail addresses are shown for the individuals and offices to whom your comments can be directed.
I know you probably get requests for action or help from many directions, but this is a case in which your individual effort will really count in a vital way. We are relatively few in absolute numbers, but I am convinced we can make the difference. Thank you.
With very best regards,
Randall Stratton
Tenuta di Spannocchia
Send the following letter in English and/or the subsequent one in Italian as you feel most comfortable,or your own version, to the mayor of Sovicille:
Egr. Signor Sindaco Alessandro Masi
Comune di Sovicille
53010 Siena, Italia
Dear Sindaco Masi,
I am writing to you as a past visitor to your beautiful Tuscany, to the area where I have learned there is a now proposal to expand the marble quarrying activities in the Montagnola Senese. I ask you to please not ignore or underestimate the great value of that natural landscape, which would seem to be the case if such a project is indeed being contemplated. From my personal experience in that area of the Province of Siena, I am convinced the damage to the environment, to the natural beauty of the area, and to the economic activity of tourism would far outweigh any benefits to be realized by the citizens of Italy and the local inhabitants from such projects. For the sake of your faithful visitors and your own future generations, please do not approve this plan.
Sincerely,
Al Egr. Signor Sindaco
Alessandro Masi
Comune di Sovicille
Siena
E p.c. Presidente della Provincia di Siena, Fabio Ceccherini
Presidente della Regione Toscana, Claudio Martini
Ministro dell’Ambiente, Alfonso Pecoraio Scanio
Mi permetto di rivolgermi a lei in quanto sono stato ospite nella bella regione Toscana, proprio in quell’area della Montagnola senese dove adesso è in atto un progetto di espansione dell’attività di scavo nelle cave di marmo.
La prego di non sottovalutare o ignorare il grande valore del paesaggio naturale che verrebbe invece molto compromesso da un’attività così invasiva.
Dalla mia esperienza personale in quell’area della provincia di Siena, sono convinto che il danno all’ambiente, alla naturale bellezza del territorio e alle attività turistiche sarebbe incommensurabile.
Affinché le future generazioni possano godere ancora di questo splendido patrimonio naturale la invito a prendere in considerazione la possibilità di bloccare il progetto.
La ringrazio per l’attenzione
e le porgo i miei saluti
(signed),
Send by post or to the following e-mail addresses: