The Pennington County Commission has approved Croell's request to expand a limestone mine near Rapid City, South Dakota, despite opposition from a dozen people, said The State.
Croell, a company that sells ready-mix concrete and other associated products, intends to expand the Perli Pit Quarry – expanding the 34-acre site by another 70 acres over the next several decades.
Residents have raised concerns about increased truck traffic as well as the potential releases of harmful chemicals and gases. A lawsuit over the legality of mining ordinances that the county amended last year is under consideration by the state Supreme Court.
Audience member Sylvia Cox said the commissioners sounded like advocates for Croell and that the group was in a hurry to approve the permits before the Supreme Court rules.
Mark DiSanto, commission member, stated that the concerns voiced by citizens were considered by the group.
