The Lane County Board of Commissioners decided Tuesday to postpone a decision about a controversial quarry proposal in Oakridge. They want more time to review testimony.
The board heard from proponents and opponents of a proposal to mine rock at TV Butte, the Old Hazeldell Quarry. It was first proposed in 2015 and has drawn opposition from many Oakridge area residents, including the Mayor of neighboring Westfir, Melody Cornelius who read a letter from city council.
“This proposed quarry would compromise our air and water quality, would increase health risks in our community, introduce intolerable noise levels, displace wildlife, and increase road congestion,”Cornelious said. “It would negatively impact our environment, our livelihoods and our quality of life.”
Board Chair Joe Berney observed during the hearing that supporters of the quarry all lived outside the Oakridge area, opponents were mostly residents. The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals has remanded quarry site approval to the board twice. Commissioners postponed their decision until August 3.
