washington

Bruce T. Chattin, executive director of the Washington Aggregates & Concrete Association (WACA) in Des Moines, Wash., was named the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) 2007 State Aggregates Association Executive of the Year. Each year, NSSGA recognizes one of its state counterparts for exemplary service to the aggregates industry. The award is bestowed to recognize the work of the state association that has had a significant beneficial impact on the aggregates industry at the regional or national levels. “NSSGA was most impressed with Bruce’s leadership and service on our Sustainability Task Force, helping guide and mold national policy into the NSSGA board’s adopted Sustainability Guiding Principles,” said NSSGA President & CEO Joy Wilson in a press release. “We value all he is doing in Washington state and nationally in helping us discern environmentally responsible options.” The award will be presented March 12 at NSSGA’s 2008 Annual Convention Honor Awards Breakfast in Las Vegas.

province news

Approximately two dozen people appeared before the Grey Highlands council in late January to voice concerns about a new gravel pit in the former Osprey Township. According to the Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin, Durham Stone and Paving Inc. applied for a license to operate a gravel pit on 174.8 acres. In its documentation, Durham Stone notes that once extraction is complete, the pit will be aggressively rehabilitated back to an agricultural use with reforestation at one end. Protesters claimed that truck traffic would overwhelm the rural community and complained that the property was in the midst of farms.

New York Mining Controversy Continues

Public hearings could begin this month on a trio of new local mining laws drafted by the Skaneateles Town Board. According to The Post-Standard, the board introduced the three laws in January, but public hearings would not be scheduled until Onondaga County and town planning and zoning boards reviewed the laws.

Last June, the town board voted 3-2 to pass a local law known as the Orange Alternate. It allows the expansion of mining operations in Shepard Settlement, but drew boundaries around the town’s current mining district. More than 100 people attended the public meeting at which that law was passed — with many opposed to it.

Following is a summary of the three laws.

• Local Law A would repeal the current open pit mining overlay district and prohibit new mining. Current mining would become a non-conforming use.

• Local Law B would clarify the zoning boundaries by changing the wording in the current law, which restricts mines from operating within 200 feet of residences and within 100 feet of waterways. It would also define those guidelines as boundaries rather than setbacks.

• Local Law C would create a “floating zone” that would allow mining in designated areas, but would give the town board the authority to review new mining requests on a case-by-case basis.

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