Geneva Rock sued over attempt to evade local land-use rules as it expands Point of the Mountain

The city of Draper is suing Geneva Rock over their attempt to expand their Point of the Mountain (POM) quarry nearly 70 acres.   

We previously submitted comments on how horrible this expansion would be for the Salt Lake Valley. Dozens of Draper residents also submitted objections to the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, who tentatively approved Geneva’s plan for expansion. 

The city of Draper is claiming that Geneva’s expansion conflicts with local land-use rules, and they would need to go through the “fair, open, and transparent public process” to change the zoning laws in the area. 

A Salt Lake Tribune article compares the POM expansion to the Parley’s conflict. “The Point of the Mountain situation mirrors the equally controversial Parleys Canyon limestone quarry proposed by Granite Construction, whose partner is likewise claiming a vested right to mine associated with the Harpers quarry a mile down the canyon. The proposed I-80 South Quarry and the existing Harpers pit share a common owner: a company called Tree Farm LLC.

Salt Lake County, joined by Salt Lake City and Millcreek, is fighting the Parleys project, citing impacts to air quality, water sources and scenery, and increased wildfire risk that could imperil the Mt. Aire Canyon community. This year, the County Council changed the zoning ordinance to bar any new mining operations in the Wasatch foothills and canyons.

These controversies highlight the escalating conflicts arising from Utah’s construction boom.”

Read the Tribune’s coverage here.