The Colorado Bureau of Land Management has delayed the potential start date of an environmental review into the expansion of the Mid-Continent limestone quarry until next year.
“We are looking at sometime in 2021 to begin the (environmental impact statement),” said a recent statement from BLM Spokesman David Boyd.
The proposed expansion of the Mid-Continent quarry, owned by Rocky Mountain Industrials Inc, has drawn criticism from many residents of the nearby Glenwood Springs area in the past two years.
According to a report on the Post Independent website this week, RMI would like to expand the limestone quarry's operational size from about 23 acres to 321 acres.
The local news site report states that: "Currently, the BLM is conducting an environmental assessment of five wells RMI needs to drill to conduct a hydrological study.
"That study must be underway before the review of the larger quarry expansion proposal can begin.
"Glenwood Springs and Garfield County are both working with the BLM as cooperating agencies in reviewing the water monitoring wells.
According to BLM Spokesman David Boyd: “We have been working with them (RMI) as we develop potential alternatives for the (environmental assessment).
“We expect to release that EA for public comment sometime in May. Timing on a final decision will depend on what we hear during the comment period.”
An important local concern, says the Post Independent report, "is that the hot springs which made Glenwood Springs famous and supports several major resort businesses could be harmed by drilling deep wells."
This article first appeared on the Post Independent website: www.postindependent.com
