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Southampton supervisors approve 65-acre sand-extraction permit after heated public hearing
Summary
After a multi-hour public hearing in which residents, tribal representatives and environmental advocates urged delay for archaeological and environmental study, the Southampton County Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit for a 65-acre borrow pit proposed by Gray Construction, with conditions and commitments on buffers, a paved entrance and mitigation measures.
The Southampton County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a conditional use permit for a 65-acre sand-extraction operation proposed by Gray Construction after a protracted public hearing in which dozens of residents and tribal leaders urged the board to delay action and order further studies.
The vote followed several hours of testimony that split the room: supporters emphasized local jobs, community donations and the company’s willingness to install mitigation measures; opponents warned of flooding, well-water contamination, silica dust and the loss of archaeological resources. The Planning Commission had recommended approval on a 4–3 vote.
“I would like to see them continue to grow with it,” said Alex J. Gray, who described the business as a local employer. Gray (speaker 22) told the board the company would install a paved, perpendicular entrance to meet VDOT requirements, build a 70-foot minimum paved entrance, and…
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