EMMETT, Idaho — Residents of Emmett are voicing their concerns over a proposed gravel pit development by Granite Excavation. The company plans to develop the pit on over 300 acres near Airport Road, with operations expected to last for ten years before the area is converted into neighborhoods.
Some residents of Gem County are worried about the potential impacts the gravel pit could have on their homes and businesses. One local business owner, Ryan Goss, expressed his concerns. He and his family live right across from the property that may be turned into the pit. Their equine assistance business is right behind their home. Goss said, “We’re working with veterans, we’re working with first responders. They’re working through some trauma and that horse is helping them. Now if we’ve got the background of all of the trucks and all of the activity going on I think that is really going to hinder our ability to create that safe environment that these people are looking for.”
Other concerns include the potential loss of water, decreased property values, increased traffic, and road damage. Many citizens are speaking out over these fears, including a group called the Emmett Gravel Pit Counter Initiative GROUP…