Residents raise water and quality-of-life concerns over proposed Maverick Mine; council names liaison

Residents at the June 1 meeting urged the Daniel Town Council and nearby officials to oppose or scrutinize the proposed Maverick Mine in Daniels Canyon, citing potential impacts on drinking and irrigation water, industrial noise, heavy traffic, toxic dust and property values.

Lisa Dinga, a Storm Haven resident, urged neighbors to write to the Wasatch County Council before June 10 and told the council the mine could create "significant and far-reaching risks to the Town of Daniel, including health concerns, economic stability, introduction of heavy machinery, toxic dust, watershed concerns, industrial noise and traffic, etc., all of which could degrade the daily quality of life."

Town Planner Eric Bunker said the proposed mine site lies within the Storm Haven drinking-water protection zone and that the mine is approximately 100 feet from the upper pond; he said Maverick Mine had not disclosed how far down it would dig and that the company had no plan to rehabilitate groundwater before it returns to Daniels Creek if water is hit. Councilmember Gary Walton noted the operation is an open-pit limestone mine that can expand laterally as it deepens. Councilmember Stefanie Grady highlighted dust concerns. Later in the meeting, Councilmember Grady agreed to serve as the town's representative and liaison on the proposed Maverick Mine.

The council took no formal regulatory action on the mine at the meeting; the record shows elevated local concern, a planner's technical note about proximity to drinking-water protection areas, and an assigned council liaison to follow developments and coordinate with county processes.