ALL NEWS

Proposed limestone mine in Parleys Canyon getting tremendous pushback

Nov 29, 2021, 7:09 PM | Updated: 7:10 pm

(File Photo: A runner passing through Grandeur Peak.  KSL TV, 2018)...

(File Photo: A runner passing through Grandeur Peak. KSL TV, 2018)

(File Photo: A runner passing through Grandeur Peak. KSL TV, 2018)

SALT LAKE COUNTY – An idea to build a limestone quarry in Parleys Canyon is causing serious concern among conservationists and elected officials in Salt Lake County.  Some people believe the proposal could damage the area forever, if it goes through.

Tree Farm LLC filed a Notice of Intent to Commence Large Mining Operations in mid-November.  In their NOI, they specify they plan on taking mostly limestone from an area west of Mount Aire and north of Grandeur Peak. However, other precious metals may also be found.

Starting a limestone mine in Parleys Canyon

At first, crews would drill “blastholes” into the rock, then detonate explosives in those holes according to the NOI.  After that, the blasted material would be pushed down the slopes or taken to a jaw crusher where it would be crushed into dust.  Company officials estimate they would disturb 634 acres of land and take over 500,000 tons of rock every year for the first three to five years.  When operations are in full swing, crews would be able to mine more than two million tons every year.

The proposal says Tree Farm wouldn’t just leave a big hole in the ground when they’re done.  It includes plans to protect and re-deposit soils, and the topsoil would be separated from mineable material.  The company proposes to set aside over 330,000 yards of topsoil that can be reclaimed later.

The NOI states, “All stockpiled or bermed topsoil will be planted/seeded with native plants to prevent deterioration from wind or water erosion.”

KSL’s calls to Tree Farm were not returned.

Concerns over water and fire

Salt Lake City doesn’t have jurisdiction over this particular stretch of land. However, its Department of Public Utilities is still getting a lot of calls.

Department Director Laura Briefer said, “A lot of our constituents may be concerned about the visual impact and the impact on wildlife habitat.”

According to Briefer, Salt Lake City does have rights to some of the water in that watershed. And she has a lot of questions about what this quarry would do to their supply.  For instance, she wants to know exactly how much water would be used for regular mining procedures. And how much would be used to keep pollution out of the air.

“They would need to use water for dust control.  That also goes into my questions with respect to the environmental impacts and the use of water,” she said.

Briefer also believes any mining operation of that size has a negative impact on nearby groundwater.

She said, “With an area that large of ground disturbance, there is the potential that sediments that become more available or loosened could enter into waterways.”

Along with water, Briefer says fire is another of her concerns.

Pushback from Salt Lake County

“This type of operation could [increase] risk of wildfire, given the use of heavy equipment in the area,” she said.

Online petitions are making the rounds, calling on the government to shut down this proposal.  Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson issued a statement to the press saying she is “gravely concerned” about the proposal.

Her statement reads, “This is not in harmony with Salt Lake County’s vision to protect the unique qualities of our canyons and public health for generations to come. Instead, the development could potentially scar the natural contours of the landscape. And could irreversibly disturb the experiences of countless residents in these two canyons.”

Officials with the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining say they received NOIs for both a small and a large mining operation.  They say there is usually no “public comment period” for small mine NOIs. However, they’re still accepting public comments through emails.  People can send their concerns to oilgasmining@utah.gov.

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Proposed limestone mine in Parleys Canyon getting tremendous pushback