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Columbia County planning panel recommends quarry rezoning despite broad resident opposition
Summary
After more than two hours of testimony from residents citing health, water and traffic concerns, the Columbia County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request that would allow a large aggregate quarry; staff recommended approval with conditions including buffers, traffic improvements and monitoring requirements.
Columbia County’s Planning Commission voted Dec. 11 to recommend approval of a rezoning that would permit a large aggregate quarry on multiple parcels off Lewisville Road, Baker Place Road and near I-20, a proposal that drew more than two hours of public comment from residents who warned of risks to wells, air quality, traffic and neighborhood character.
Staff presented the application (file RZ25-12-08), describing proposed site controls including a 100-foot undisturbed buffer around the quarry footprint, engineered berms up to 44 feet high, a reclamation plan and monitoring commitments such as seismographs to document vibration and overpressure. The applicant and project engineers said much of the property would remain undisturbed and that Georgia EPD permitting and other state and federal reviews are required before mining begins.
The commission’s recommendation came after more than 40 residents spoke at the public hearing. Dr. Morgan Groot, a nearby property owner, said she was “not here to focus on…
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