Thurston County hears appeal of Johnson Creek Quarry expansion, commissioners set written decision for Dec. 9

Thurston County commissioners on Dec. 3 heard competing legal arguments over a hearing examiner—s approval of Mountain Stone Aggregate—s special use permit for the Johnson Creek Quarry expansion, with appellants urging reversal or remand and the applicant asking the board to uphold the examiner—s decision. The board said it will issue a written decision by Dec. 9, 2025.

The appeal, filed by Asia Alexander and a group of local residents, contends the examiner—s approval is legally defective because it approved a 228-acre mine boundary while authorizing active mining on only 42 acres. Appellant counsel Brian Tellegen said the discrepancy could allow the county to lose the ability to deny or condition future expansions if a broad mine boundary is deemed a permitted use under the county code. "If the mine boundary is approved for the whole 228 acres, then it is very possible…