The Central Wasatch Commission’s statement on the mine proposal in Parley’s
The Central Wasatch Commission is an interlocal government entity whose board includes mayors of municipalities and leaders of governmental service providers in and adjacent to the Central Wasatch Mountains. I’ve been serving on the Environment System Committee for the past two years.
The group submitted a powerful letter opposing the proposal for a mine in Parley’s Canyon.
“Granite Construction Company’s newly proposed open-air gravel mine, located within Parleys Canyon, falls within the Central Wasatch Commission’s area of interest. Parleys Canyon, while also a bustling transit corridor, offers immense value to Central Wasatch communities through recreation, conservation, and economic opportunities. The member jurisdictions of the commission, along with various stakeholders, are concerned about the potential negative impacts an open-air mine in the canyon would have on air quality, watersheds, visitor experience, natural beauty, and flora and fauna.
“Fugitive dust emissions that originate from open-air mining have the potential to contaminate the Salt Lake Valley’s greater watershed, along with critical neighboring reservoirs. This potential contamination poses a considerable risk to the health, safety, and general welfare of the valley’s residents and water users. Risking damage to a fundamental public good like water is an irresponsible decision.
“Health concerns aside, the added demand for water at the mine will increase pressure on an already strained water system. Dust from the mine will inevitably be blown into the air as soil disruption occurs. This, in turn, can lead to increased dust-on-snow, which can expedite the melting process of the snowpack.
“This comes at a time when the Central Wasatch is experiencing shorter winter seasons, shrinking snowpacks, and a growing population that requires more and more water. It is not lost on us that the proposed site is located two miles from Salt Lake City’s water service area, requiring excessive trucking to transport water to the site and adding additional transit strain to the canyon.”