Parley’s mine not even approved and causing problems

Near the proposed gravel pit site in Parley’s Canyon.

Granite construction’s proposed limestone mine for Parley’s Canyon has faced fierce criticism and pushback for the effect it is sure to have on our quality of life on the Wasatch Front. In response to residents’ concerns, Salt Lake County Council passed an ordinance that blocked a mine proposed for Parley’s Canyon back in April.

Granite is attempting to override the ordinance in court.

Instead of waiting for the legal process to play out, Granite Construction is attempting to bulldoze the project forward. Their latest attempt to evade public input comes through a permit filed with Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).

“Without informing neighboring property owners, the county or residents of nearby Mt. Aire, UDOT on Oct. 31 issued Granite an “encroachment permit” authorizing the firm and property owner Tree Farm LLC to fence off and widen the road that accesses the hillside and ravines proposed for I-80 South Quarry. The plan would block access to land used by Mt. Aire Canyon homeowners to park their snow machines, potentially leaving them unable to access their cabins in winter” a Salt Lake Tribune article reports.

All Utahns should be outraged that a wealthy land speculator, Jesse Lassley, has teamed up with a giant California corporation in exploiting weak Utah environmental laws to bully their way to more profits. Their mine would consume vast amounts of water, contaminate two nearby reservoirs, tear up our watershed, pollute our air, blanket the canyon with more dust, undermine public health, and threaten the safety of canyon residents and their homes. And it will permanently destroy one of Utah’s most important natural landscapes, at the gateway to our capital city.

Mt. Aire community members expressed concern over being targeted by the company due to their opposition to the proposed mine in the article. Please stand with community members and send a letter to Granite.