Editorial: Commissioners should have right to deny quarries

By: Editorial | Opelika Auburn News
Published: April 24, 2009

The time when county commissioners reserved the right to grant land or deny land to companies is long overdue. Fortunately, that might be about to change.

House Bill 804, penned by Rep. Jeff McLaughlin, D-Guntersville, would give commissioners statewide this very important right.

If access were denied to quarries in Lee County years ago, scores of area residents might not have felt their house shake on occasion, and sinkholes might not have developed, ultimately leading to the partial closure of Lee Road 148. The road, mainly the bridge over Uchee Creek, is currently under construction as authorities claim it will re-open.

The bill hasn’t yet gone before the House, but it is expected to go before the County and Municipal Government Committee for vote next week.

A synopsis of McLaughlin’s legislation reads: “This bill would require the prior approval of local municipalities and counties affected by a proposed permit or modification to a permit for such mining operations. The bill would establish guidelines for local governments to consider in the approval process, would require notice of and the holding of public hearings, and would provide access to certain information as part of the local approval process.”

Lee County is home to three quarries, including a controversial one between Alabama Highway 169 and Lee Road 166, which many believe is the main contributor to a number of potentially dangerous sinkholes in the Spring Villa area.

Obviously, county commissioners throughout the state would reserve the right to grant property for mining sites.

That’s their prerogative. Whether some want to believe it or not, quarries are a necessity. Asphalt for our roads must come from somewhere. For some of us who must navigate dirt roads in the county, asphalt is appreciated.

But if this legislation passes, our county leaders would at least have an opportunity to weigh the options and make a choice in the matter. A choice to allow mining, or a choice to draw a line in the sand and say, “Not in this county.”

Considering the recent controversies, we would prefer the latter.