County denies request for gravel mine
By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News
Larimer County Commissioners on March 2 unanimously turned down a request
for continued operation of a gravel mine that was violating the county's
land use code.
Monroe Excavating and landowner Gene Barker wanted to continue operations
at the gravel pit located just off County Road 74E on Deadman Road, the
local gateway to the national forest. Deadman Quarry has been mined off
and on for more than 20 years without county approval, but it received
state approval in December 2007.
The 15-acre site is zoned O-Open, a rural residential zone that allows
mining by special review. Business owner Marion Monroe wanted to mine 6.4
acres, along with crushing concrete and asphalt at the site for reuse in
the area. He had agreed to limit operating hours to Monday through Friday,
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Area residents favoring the quarry said the community needs a local provider
of gravel to maintain roads and maintain structures for Red Feather Storage
and Irrigation.
Opponents complained of a history of poor land stewardship, the unsightly
view of junk equipment and the likely reduction of property values caused
by proximity to a gravel pit. Neighbors also complained of noise, dust
and truck traffic from the previous, unpermitted operation.
Several citizens suggested that when there is another need for locally
mined gravel, it could be found in an area further away from a main road
and homes.
The Red Feather Lakes Planning Advisory Committee, on an 8-to-2 vote at
its Dec. 11 meeting, also opposed the quarry. The Larimer County Planning
Commission, another volunteer advisory board, turned down the request with
a tie vote on Jan. 21.
Because the county commissioners denied the special review, Monroe now
has to bring the property into compliance with county codes. Commissioners
will hold another hearing on April 20 at 3 p.m. to discuss timing of cleanup
and reclamation of the property
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