We can learn from others
There is tremendous value to reviewing similar opposition efforts by other associations as related to proposed gravel mining. These associations are more than willing to share their experience, research, data, successes and pitfalls. Please take a moment to review these two examples. This all applies to our situation here in Genoa Township.
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT platteriverwatershed.org
The objective of this document is to put the property rights, environmental concerns, and interests of all involved into a meaningful perspective so that the Homestead Inland Joint Planning Commission (HIJPC) can render a fair and defendable decision regarding the application for a special use permit to extract natural resources from parcel 10-08-006-007-00. This report applies the decision making approach used in our courts. It first looks at the need for and value of mining a specific natural resource in a given local market. It then weighs those claims of need and value against the very serious consequences that a mine operation would likely cause. To date there is no serious argument that our local market is in need of more gravel and specifically the need for another open pit gravel mine to produce any. In addition to the requirement to define a need for a given natural resource, Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act’s ‘Gravel Statute’ also calls for the establishment of that specific natural resource’s value. No credible value has been established. Further, no specific natural resource has been defined. We share hard proof that there is no local market need for more gravel. The applicant has failed to provide any evidence that there is actually value in what might be in his property. Since local supply exceeds demand, any potential value of the applicant’s unproven reserves is essentially nonexistent. No meaningful or comprehensive business plan has been presented that supports the prospect that a gravel mine at this location could conceivably operate at a profit. The applicant hasn’t even determined what specific natural resource he might be extracting, a clear requirement in the Gravel Statute. While there are many more issues than presented, examined here are sixteen (16) very serious consequences that this proposed gravel mine would likely inflict on the environment and the residents of Inland and surrounding Townships. From harming current land uses, to damaging the environment in numerous ways, to devalued property, to traffic safety hazards, to harming the resident’s health, safety, and welfare, all of these likely very serious consequences create unjustifiable damages. Any one of these issues outweighs the nonexistent benefits of an unnecessary gravel mine. No one is against gravel or gravel mines. There is simply no reasonable argument or need for another gravel mine in our area. Even if there were, one should never be allowed to locate in such an environmentally sensitive location as is being proposed.
Read their final 51 page report (5.99 MB)
Need & Value v. Very Serious Consquences
.pdf
Download PDF • 5.99MB
Another great site Gravel Watch Ontario
A good place to start on this site is their write up on what to expect titled "A Primer for Residents & Groups Faced With a New Pit or Quarry Operation"
http://gravelwatch.org/aggregates-101/101-getting-started-the-first-90-days/
