Article Summary –
Western Materials is requesting permission to expand its 80-acre gravel operation, located in a zone designated for low-density residential use. Residents in the local area are against the expansion, citing potential negative impacts on their quality of life, the environment, and their property values. The company proposes measures to address these concerns and states the expansion would provide jobs and reduce costs of transporting materials from another location, while residents argue that the legality of the mine’s existence in the residential district is questionable due to gaps in its permitting history.
Deliberation on Missoula County Gravel Pit Expansion Paused
On Thursday, Missoula County officials postponed their decision regarding the proposed expansion of a gravel pit near Florence, Montana. They instructed Western Materials, the company behind the expansion, and the local neighborhood group, the Carlton Protection Trust, to work together towards a mutually beneficial resolution.
Last October, Western Materials sought a variance to expand its 80-acre gravel operation based on the zoning regulations of the Carlton neighborhood. Residents have expressed concerns about possible adverse effects of the expansion on the environment, quality of life, and legality of the gravel pit.
The region surrounding the proposed expansion site has been zoned for low-density residential use since 1976, which permits only single-family homes, accessory structures, and parks. However, neighbors have identified inconsistencies in the gravel pit’s permit history, casting doubt on its legal status.
Despite historical irregularities, Thursday’s deliberations centered on whether the expansion proposal meets approval criteria and whether implementing additional conditions could mitigate the mine’s potential negative impacts.
Western Materials and the Carlton Protection Trust have agreed to discuss potential conditions to address residents’ concerns before revisiting the county.
According to Western Materials, the proposed expansion would supply sand and gravel for local construction and road projects, maintain jobs in the county, and lower the cost and distance of transporting materials from other pits.
Measures to mitigate concerns include constructing berms around the site’s perimeter, reducing dust, changing operating hours, creating wildlife buffers, installing traffic signs, and prohibiting mining within 10 feet of the groundwater level.
Following the public meetings regarding the expansion, many residents expressed opposition due to worries about noise, dust, increased truck traffic, decreasing property values, and water quality.
Carlton residents Stephane and Tori Fort actively opposed the expansion, citing gaps in the operation’s permit history and the absence of any previous variance requests.
Stephane Fort noted that, while county officials may be frustrated with repeated questions, they must realize they are dealing with three decades of community frustration and perceived injustice.
John Kappes, president of Western Materials, argued that the expansion proposal meets approval criteria due to the site’s unique conditions and the community’s demand for regional resources.
The attorneys of the Carlton Protection Trust reiterated concerns about the mining operation’s expansion without proper permitting or zoning compliance by its former owner.
During the meeting, ten residents voiced opposition to the expansion, and one person spoke in favor.
If the variance is approved, a development agreement will require Western and any future owners to adhere to the conditions, with the county ensuring compliance.
A special meeting has been scheduled for June 20, after a meeting between Western and the Carlton Protection Trust.
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