The Larimer County Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of Loveland Ready-Mix’s proposal to open a 123-acre gravel pit and batch concrete plant in Laporte, Colorado.
A report by Coloradoan says the planning commissioners a list of conditions required for the approval. These include a 12-year time limit in mining operations, enclosures to reduce noise, turning the site into an open space after mining and restricting truck routes to ease traffic impacts.
Bob Choate, commissioner, says: “Their history … makes me think they’re actually going to be able to comply with these conditions. There wasn’t a single person who said anything bad about them. They did what they said they would do.”
According to the news agency, Laporte residents believe the operation would disturb business, homeowners and recreators with the noise, dust and traffic from the heavy trucks.
Loveland Ready-Mix representatives presented modelling which they say proves the operation can meet regulatory standards for air pollution and noise.
The company’s co-owners Stephanie and Brad Fancher agreed to enclose the batch plant and the offloading area for cement trucks and build berms to keep the site quieter.
Additionally, they agreed to keep trucks off Overland Trail unless they were making a concrete delivery and work with local operator Timberline Resources to potentially cross their property to access US Highway 287.
“Planning commission members said they sympathise with residents’ concerns but think mitigation measures could help the operation coexist with the community,” the report adds.
Curtis Miller, commissioner, says: “Most gravel pit and mining operations end up leaving the areas they’re in, when they’re done, in a much better state. It fits very well with neighbourhoods, if you give them a chance.”
Larimer County commissioners will review the proposal on 24 September.
