PARLEY’S CANYON, Utah (ABC4) — The Utah Division of Air Quality has approved a permit for the expansion of mining operations in Parley’s Canyon, something that has continued to draw strong opposition.
The permit was approved on Sept. 11 by the Division of Air Quality. It’s for Granite Construction to operate a new aggregate mining facility at its already existing I-80 South Quarry in Parley’s Canyon. The permit requires Granite to comply with state requirements, federal standards, and the requirements of the approval order, which the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) told ABC4.com were adjusted based on public comments and in close coordination with Granite Construction.
A major air quality concern caused by open mines is “fugitive dust,” or dust that rises from their operations, spreads, and settles on areas close to the mine. If you live near a quarry or have even driven past one on the highway, you’ve likely seen visible fugitive dust in the air. That dust negatively impacts air quality and creates health hazards for residents.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Millcreek residents sound off on new Parley’s Canyon mining permit
Beyond existing statewide regulations, the order puts limits on a variety of aspects related to the operation of a mining facility, including requirements to reduce fugitive dust like covering unpaved roads and surfaces, installing water sprays on each crusher, and limiting blasting operations…