Park County denies 3J Trucking appeal; board tells operator to seek variance to remove crushed material

Park County commissioners on Tuesday denied an appeal from 3J Trucking LLC over the county's finding that the company's gravel-crushing and material-removal activity required county permits.

The decision follows a year-long series of complaints, a Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) review that upgraded the site to a limited mine operation (LMO), and county staff investigation into whether crushed material was being removed from land in a Park County Land Use Classification (LUC) area that limits processing.

Commissioners heard from Tony Martolio, the 3J Trucking representative, who said the operation began after state agencies told him the work could proceed under a construction-related permit and later as a temporary DEQ authorization. “We had everything in order,” Martolio said, describing conversations with DEQ staff and the site work he and his crew completed. He said he invested in additional equipment this season to finish work and was surprised by the county enforcement action that followed.

Nearby landowner and public commenter Andy Quick said he is not opposed to local businesses operating, but objected to how the project advanced on private land adjacent to a scenic stretch of river. “The first private property they hit is a gravel mine,” Quick said, citing reports and a video he provided to staff showing heavy equipment operating above the river last July.

Planning staff told the board they first received anonymous complaints in June 2024 and later learned from DEQ that material from the property was being taken off site. DEQ then upgraded the activity to an LMO and required reclamation bonding. County staff said some compliance actions and citations were issued when inspectors found specific safety and sanitation lapses during enforcement visits.

After discussion, commissioners voted to deny the appeal. The board also told Martolio that the county process to allow removal of already-processed material is either site-plan review or a variance request; because the property sits in an LUC that limits processing, any future crushing or processing would require formal county approvals. Commissioners said they would not allow additional on-site processing or crushing until the county’s land-use requirements are satisfied.

The board advised Martolio to work with county planning staff to pursue a variance or site-plan review; staff said a variance would require at least 14 days' public notice and a single public hearing before the board. The county did not set a timetable for that application process.

Commissioners and staff emphasized they want the property cleaned and reclaimed, but also insisted county permitting rules must be followed before any new processing resumes.