Commission recommends Quarry expansion to Board of County Commissioners with DEQ permit condition

The Laramie County Planning Commission on March 26 recommended approval of a Class C conditional use permit to expand the Horse Creek Rock Quarry, but conditioned the recommendation on the applicant providing an approved Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ/LQD) permit.

Sonny Porcheau and other planning staff introduced LG Everest Inc.’s application to expand from a limited 15‑acre operation to an operation using up to 600 acres of mining disturbance within an 11,081.331‑acre parcel at 3380 Horse Creek Road. Applicant representatives outlined operations and timing: crushed granite production, an anticipated operating schedule (production and maintenance 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; hauling 6 a.m.–4 p.m.), and current baseline monitoring requirements. The applicant said four quarters of groundwater and surface water monitoring must be completed before the DEQ submittal, targeted for June 1, with DEQ review expected in early–mid 2027.

Public commenters raised concerns about cumulative impacts with nearby wind projects, traffic and road wear on State Highway 211 and Horse Creek Road, water use and aquifer effects, and wildlife habitat impacts near sage‑grouse lek and raptor areas. The applicant and staff responded that the Land Quality Division/DEQ permitting process and the site plan review will require detailed baseline studies, traffic analysis, and adherence to Game and Fish recommendations. The applicant estimated a maximum permitted well use of up to 20 acre‑feet per year for dust control and partial washing of certain aggregates.

Commissioners moved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners and included a condition requiring the applicant to comply with and provide a copy of the approved DEQ permit. The motion passed on roll call.