Residents of Copper Canyon voiced strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a mining operation near their community. Concerns centered around the potential environmental and health impacts, particularly dust pollution and increased traffic from heavy trucks.

Local Little League coach highlighted the adverse effects of dust from the nearby pits on youth sports, stating that games are often disrupted by sandblasting winds. He urged the commission to impose stricter conditions on the CUP, suggesting that the operators should be required to report back every two years to assess the ongoing impact on the community.

Barney Wadley, a former president of the local homeowners association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that previous dust mitigation efforts had failed and warning that the proposed gravel solutions would not provide lasting relief. He urged the commission to conduct site visits to better understand the potential issues.

Wayne Rogers, another resident and current president of the local association, raised questions about the classification of the operation as a mining site, arguing that it would lead to significant traffic disruptions due to the size and frequency of the trucks involved. He also expressed confusion over logistical details, such as the location of water sources for dust control, which he claimed were not adequately addressed in the proposal.

The meeting underscored the community's apprehension about the mining operation's implications for their quality of life, with residents calling for more accountability and oversight from local authorities.