County hears quarry proposal, concerns
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By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
Last Tuesday’s County Commission meeting saw much discussion regarding a proposed granite quarry to potentially be located in the Kellyton community.
While the meeting lasted more than three hours, only approximately 30 minutes were spent on action items, with about an hour and a half spent on the quarry discussion and another hour spent in executive session.
More than 30 people were in attendance for the meeting initially, although most left following the quarry discussion.
Tom Baker, representing an unidentified company, addressed the Commission to discuss the proposed project. He stated that it was an attempt to get ahead of the rumor mill, but added “so how did that work out?”
He stated he was attending the meeting to provide information, seek advice, give an overview of the future, and request endorsement for the project.
Baker explained that they have an approximately 331-acre parcel of land under contract currently and that they are seeking additional property for a granite quarry. He said the parcel is “unique in several ways.”
He said it would have railway access served by Norfolk Southern and mentioned its proximity to U.S. Highway 280, as well as believing there is a “significant granite deposit” on the land.
During his presentation, Baker said that he wanted to address some concerns mentioned by neighbors in the area, with the proposed quarry site being on the County Road 87 loop in Kellyton off of Highway 280, with the entrance being on Hix Road.
He mentioned one concern being environmental impact. He stated that the company would have to get air permits specific to their equipment from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and that he is certain they will pass the inspection and qualify for the air permits.
He said water permits also go through ADEM and the Corps. Of Engineers, adding that they would be required to submit monthly water reports to ADEM.
During discussion he added that they plan to have a large railway spur and to send out granite via railroad, in addition to what is transported locally.
Baker said another concern that had been mentioned was that it will ruin the lives of those living nearby.
“Fear of change is real,” Baker said. “Fear of growth is real. I get that. Fear of the unknown is real, but in economics in the world we’re either growing and changing, or we’re dying. We still understand that fear is real.”
Baker said they did not have to hold a meeting, but that they want to be good neighbors and good stewards. He added that since they want to expand and want their neighbors to have options, they have a standing offer to purchase all of the contingent property at fair market value.
“We’re not telling them they have to sell, we’re just offering that,” he said.
He mentioned another concern by residents is a decrease in their property value. He stated that their mining engineers have informed them that is statistically not true, but asked if the company believed that to be true, why would they offer fair market value now if they thought the value would decrease and they could get the property for cheaper later.
Another concern he addressed was noise from the quarry, stating that he “sincerely believes” unless a person is inside the quarry they won’t know it’s there. He added that he will not say they would never hear anything, but that with buffering and the equipment they use the noise is minimal.
During his discussion and presentation, Baker also mentioned the quarry’s economic impact and that they want to help benefit the county. He said they would hire locally rather than bring people in and that they would be hiring for construction, operational, clerical, truck drivers, and other skilled jobs.
He said they would expect to hire 16 people for this part of the project, with salaries estimated at $1.2 million for the first four years.
In discussing sales and tax revenue, stating that he uses minimum numbers, Baker said that he estimates the quarry bringing in a minimum of $150,000 per year to the county.
Ultimately, Baker said that he was seeking recommendations from the Commission and support from the county for the proposed project.
“While our understanding is that there is no approval to give, we humbly request a referendum of support from the county,” Baker said.
Commission Chair Lamar Daugherty said that between a meeting held the Saturday prior and Tuesday’s Commission meeting he thought Baker had answered his questions, but opened the floor up for others.
An individual who owns a rental property in the area asked about water runoff, with Baker saying he would get her contact information and check with their engineer then get back to get about her concern, but that ADEM would be monitoring the water flow, as well.
The property owner also asked about blasting, and Baker confirmed there would be blasting, but said the loudest part of the process is drilling. He said that they anticipate having about 10-20 blastings per year.
When asked about a buffer zone, Baker said that they will not get close to the property line and that they will start where they are currently drilling.
Kellyton Mayor Johnny Sharpe asked if the property site goes to the Kellyton incorporation limits. Baker said that unless they acquire more property, none of the parcel touches Kellyton’s incorporation limit and that it is county, not town, jurisdiction.
Following Baker’s presentation, the next agenda item was for area residents or property owners Kirk Andrews, Eric Harrell, Tim Phillips, Tonk Phillips, and Chris Bradford to discuss the possible quarry and their concerns.
All of those who spoke opposed the potential quarry site and addressed concerns with how it would impact their properties or families, or both.
Andrews spoke of concerns with decreasing property values and potential damage to their home’s foundation from blasting, as well as breathing problems and hazardous lung diseases.
“Coosa County is not a county known for industry,” Andrews said. “We’re a rural, close-knit community.”
During discussion about the proximity of these properties to the quarry site, Commissioner Forbus shared a list of property owners, reflecting at least 14 residences or properties located within 600 yards of the proposed quarry site.
Local resident Eric Harrell spoke on the issue, saying that he was there for his family, not himself, stating that his two children would live there long after him.
During discussion, he said that he has been in the community all his life and that his investment is his family.
“What’s your family’s investment worth to you,” Harrell asked. “I’m not here to say no; I’m here to say that’s my family. My job is to take care of them.”
He said that he and his family pray regularly and ask for guidance. He said being so close to the proposed site, they have a “front row seat” to it.
“I don’t think Mr. Tom’s a bad guy at all,” he added. “I’ve got respect for him. He’s doing his job. He’s just doing his job in my yard.”
Tim Phillips spoke about concerns with destroying the community and his thoughts on the blasting and noise.
Tonk Phillips mentioned family members who have just built new houses in the area, saying that he wants the community to stay quiet and nice for everyone who lives there. He added that he does not want to move and does not want money for his house, stating that he wants to live there until he dies.
Business owner Chris Bradford said that he does not live in the area but owns property there and spoke about his experience in the industry for years and the potential impacts to property and to those living in the area.
Following discussion, Chair Daugherty said that they were just getting information from all parties and that there was no decision to be made, as they were on the agenda to share information.
Separate from the Commission meeting, it has since been reported that a petition signing will be held Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kellyton Civic Complex, located at 145 Church Street, for anyone wishing to sign the petition to oppose the quarry.
For coverage of the remainder of the County Commission meeting, see next week’s edition.
The audio recording of last Tuesday’s Commission meeting is available here.
