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Commission hears proposal for new aggregate pit; commissioners press for partnership and road upgrades
Summary
Prospective operators seeking a new aggregate pit in a canyon told Duchene County commissioners their operation will increase heavy traffic on a substandard road; county staff estimated about 3,000 tons of aggregate and $400,000 for related asphalt and drainage work and recommended further negotiation with the applicant.
A commercial applicant proposing an aggregate pit in a canyon appeared before the Duchene County Commission on Sept. 15 to discuss approach permits and the impact of heavy-haul traffic on a substandard access road.
County staff told commissioners the proposed pit access would be roughly 7,000 feet back to Highway 40 and would likely increase truck traffic by more than 15 percent, which triggers master transportation plan requirements for road upgrades. Staff estimated the operation would need about 3,000 tons of new asphalt and roughly $400,000 in asphalt work for the approach and associated widening, drainage and culverts.
Commissioners and staff discussed options including a partnership with a local asphalt supplier and a sit-down meeting with the company to negotiate cost-sharing for road improvements. One commissioner suggested deferring formal action for a week to allow county staff and the applicant to meet and clarify plans for road improvements, culverts and future maintenance responsibilities.
Why it matters: A commercial aggregate pit and the heavy trucks it generates would directly affect county road wear, drainage needs and maintenance costs; commissioners signaled they will require concrete plans for road upgrades and cost-sharing before approving permanent access.
Ending: County staff will schedule a follow-up meeting with the operator and with relevant county road and engineering staff to confirm traffic estimates, culvert needs and a potential cost-sharing agreement before placing a formal approach-permit decision on a future agenda.
