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Fallon County residents press commissioners over scoria mix on Cabin Creek Loop Road
Summary
Residents told the Fallon County Commission the county’s recent use of scoria mixed with black shale on Cabin Creek Loop Road has increased dust and damaged tires; commissioners ordered staff to inspect the pit source, review hauling routes, and develop a plan to cover or overlay the affected sections.
Residents at Monday’s Fallon County Commission meeting urged action after county road crews placed scoria mixed with darker shale on long stretches of Cabin Creek Loop Road, saying the material is dust-prone, causing flat tires and depositing black rock on private fields. Public commenter Dwayne Rugg said the road had long been gravel and that burying that gravel in scoria ‘‘just makes it a power barrel’’ for dust and erosion. Commissioners acknowledged the complaint and said the road superintendent and crew would inspect the pile and meet later that morning to determine a corrective plan.
The discussion identified the likely source as the Knowles pit west of Allen; commissioners and road staff said recent hauling patterns and a prior resurfacing had exposed pockets of black shale that are now appearing in the scoria mix. Road staff told the board they would: examine the pile for contaminated zones, consider running a roller and water to help pulverize and pack the material, and, where necessary, lay a thin overlay of gravel to reduce flats and dust. The county pointed to a new pit at Ollie and a deal with Knowles as potential alternative sources for cleaner material.
Residents asked about coverage beyond the first mile and expressed concern that gravel work might end at the Prairie County line; commissioners replied any surfacing will be limited by jurisdictional boundaries, but said the county would target the most heavily trafficked sections first. Commissioners also noted options discussed previously—watering, hardeners, and adding a thin gravel topping—but warned that routine watering for private driveways is infeasible and that a consistent county-wide solution requires equipment and time.
The county committed to an on-site inspection by the superintendent, to document the composition of the current pit piles, and to return to the board with a specific plan. No formal vote was required; the board recorded the complaint and directed staff to follow up.
