Planning commission recommends approval to expand Rank & Farm mining operation despite floodplain questions

The Florence Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a major general plan amendment to permit expansion of the Rank & Farm mining operation, case PZ-25-38. The recommendation passed 4–0 after a public hearing and technical questions from commissioners.

The applicant, Paul Gilbert, who said he represents the owner and potential owner of the parcels, told the commission the amendment would convert portions of several parcels from suburban neighborhood and highway-mixed-use designations to an industry district place type “to extract sand and gravel” and support local growth. Gilbert said the operation would expand existing mining activity and use the same truck routes and entrance.

Why it matters: Commissioners focused on floodplain impacts and long-term reclamation. Commissioner Woolley pressed the applicant about a narrow parcel sliver that appears within the Gila River, asking whether the berm would divert floodwaters toward neighboring properties. The project engineer, Rich Brown of Haley & Aldrich, said the mining and berm design were sized so floodwater levels in a 100‑year event would not rise above the berm and that the portion near the river would not be mined. Brown explained the berm would be “armored” with riprap — large rock — to prevent erosion: “On the river‑facing side of the berm, you put armor, which is just a rip rap material,” he said.

Commissioners and the applicant also discussed operations: Brown said existing processing equipment (crusher, screener) would remain and that the expansion is intended to extend the life of the operation rather than increase daily production. He said a well is on‑site and that the proposal would not increase water or sanitary sewer use beyond current levels. Gilbert said the site is “almost entirely within the 100‑year flood plain” and that a flood mitigation plan is part of the engineering design.

Bonding and reclamation: Commissioners asked whether the site sale is contingent on approval; Gilbert said he had not reviewed the purchase contract but assumed entitlement would be customary. The applicant confirmed a reclamation bond will be required: “We will be required to post a bond to meet the requirements of ASMI when we file the reclamation plan,” he said, noting that the bonding requirement is imposed at the state level.

Public input and outcome: No members of the public spoke at the hearing. After questions, Vice Chair DeRosa moved and Commissioner Lehman seconded a motion to recommend approval; the commission voted unanimously to forward the amendment to the Town Council.

What’s next: If the Town Council follows the commission’s recommendation, the applicant must still obtain rezoning, a conditional use permit and state mine permitting and reclamation approvals before mining could expand.