James M. Robertson Quarry (Blanch Prison)

Good place to dive.

If you are into quarry diving then this is not a bad place to be. It's a medium size spring fed quarry with visibility ranging from 15' in the summer to 40' - 50' in the winter. In the summer there are several thermoclines usually around 20'and 40' give or take. The temperature is 80 degrees on the surface, 70 degrees between 20' and 40', and 44 degrees at depth. Maximum depth of the quarry is 90'. There are several items that can be seen in the quarry including an old 707 cockpit, school bus, cabin cruiser, boats, etc. The best thing about the quarry is its location. If you are several hours away from the coast, then this is a good place to dive/socialize. Several divers are out there every weekend. One note though, during the summer months several OW classes are held, so if you plan on diving shallow, then expect the visibility to be less while the class is there. If you dive during the week, you normally have the place to yourself. As far as facilities are concerned, there is an outhouse, picnic area, changing area, close parking, and two docks. To dive there you have to be a member of a local dive club and the Piedmont Dive Rescue Association. Here are a couple of websites to checkout in case you are interested: www.ncpdra.org and www.danvilleaquanauts.com. Both sites will give you more information. The cost runs approximately $50 for an annual membership.