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Commissioners hear hours of public opposition to proposed Paradise Valley gravel pit and table action
Summary
Park County commissioners opened a discussion and extensive public comment on a proposed gravel pit on a state section north of Emigrant; residents and local groups raised traffic, safety, wildlife, water-table and air-quality concerns and asked for a robust public process. Commissioners did not take formal action and said they would pursue further public meetings and DNRC engagement.
Park County commissioners on Feb. 10 opened a public discussion — and then paused formal action — after receiving extended public comment on a proposed gravel pit on state land in Paradise Valley.
The item originated when a county commissioner summarized a request from the governor’s office asking whether a state section north of Emigrant could serve as a gravel source for Yellowstone National Park road projects. The commissioner told the board he believed a nearby pit could reduce hauling costs for county road work but recommended tabling the decision until the public and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) could present more information and scope documents.
That recommendation was met with sustained public comment. Residents and local groups told the commission they oppose a pit near Trail Creek and Old Yellowstone Trail because of road-safety and traffic concerns for Highway 89 South, potential impacts on domestic wells and groundwater, wildlife and recreation losses, noise and light pollution, and dust — including crystalline silica from crushing operations.
"The thought of the large trucks entering onto the highway frightens me," said Sherry Kepner, urging traffic-safety measures such as a traffic signal at the Trail Creek intersection. Nearby resident Jessica Lexo said her 500-foot well could be affected: "to dig a new 500-foot well that provides water to myself and my neighbors would be very costly," she said.
Environmental and civic groups asked for a more detailed public process and for DNRC and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) materials to be shared. Galen Nicholson of Livingston flagged recent state changes (House Bill 599) that sped permitting timelines and reduced some public-notice perimeters; he warned that the 35-day permit window can limit public review and the DEQ's ability to release full environmental assessments for comment.
Public-health concerns were also raised. Sandra Lambert described microscopic crystalline silica from crushing operations and warned the dust could travel far downwind and pose respiratory risks to residents and livestock.
Supporters of exploring a pit noted the county’s need for locally sourced gravel to reduce hauling costs. Steve Goetz, who said he was familiar with the industry, urged the commission to proceed carefully and recommended reviewing DEQ permit materials.
The chair closed public comment after hearing many speakers and confirmed there would be no final county action at the meeting: commissioners said the matter was being treated as a discussion and that emails and written comments would be archived. The chair said commissioners were willing to attend additional public meetings — including ones held in Paradise Valley — and requested DNRC provide scope materials and attend future sessions.
What’s next: Commissioners asked for more public meetings and DNRC engagement to clarify the project's scope and permit pathway before making any formal decision.
