Shelby County Commissioners rejected a proposed sand and gravel mining project in the county’s northeast corner following testimony from residents concerned about heavy trucks on the area’s narrow roads. The Commercial Appeal reports that three commissioners voted against Memphis Stone & Gravel Co.’s application, while another six abstained. “We are a 100-year-old local business, and this is our last major resource available in Shelby County,” said Alan Parks, the company’s vice president. “In our view, we think that we can make this project safe and be in compliance with the land-use ordinance just like we have for almost four decades at our existing site nearby.” Previously, one commissioner suggested several measures to make the company responsible for road widening and other safety improvements in the area (in addition to improvements the company had already agreed to), but commissioners voted against his amendments.

Washington

At press time, Miles Sand and Gravel was one of three finalists in the corporate business category for annual awards given by the Thurston County Economic Development Council. “We are thrilled to be a finalist,” Lisa Kittilsby, co-owner of the company, told the Nisqually Valley News. “Our company is family-owned and is currently operated by fourth-generation owners. We love being part of the community. It’s quite an honor to be nominated.”

Province News

A controversial plan to develop a gravel mine in southwest Edmonton could reach city council this spring. The Edmonton Journal reports that Kanata Metis Cultural Enterprises Ltd. is seeking permission to mine gravel on a 79-acre portion of its property along the North Saskatchewan River. Qualico, the previous property owner, also sought permission to mine the site and faced intense public opposition, including a meeting attended by approximately 800 opponents. On a positive note, the manager of the city’s current planning branch told the newspaper that city councilors might want to hear about the plans for jobs and housing the mine is intended to create. He also noted that there are two sides to the environmental issue because the operation would reduce or eliminate the need for hundreds or thousands of loads of gravel being hauled great distances.

Province News

Rocky View County councilors, in the province of Alberta, voted unanimously to hire a gravel company — Copper Stone Crushing Ltd. — for a bid of $764,000. According to the Cochrane Times, the company will provide contract crushing and stockpiling of more than 240,000 tons of gravel in the county’s five gravel pits. That material will be used for road maintenance and construction programs.

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