Colorado Springs neighbors voice concerns about proposed quarry
Neighbors along Highway 1-15 are upset about a new quarry that could be coming to the area.
They’ve started adding signs along the highway voicing their concerns about water, safety and environmental issues top their concerns.
Transit mix concrete proposing the aggregate quarry says it has thought through those.
“It’s kind of like dropping a quarry bomb, boom,” said Kristan Rigdon, the vice president of the Highway 115 Citizens Advisory Committee.
Rigdon lives off Highway 115 south of Colorado Springs.
“We already live with three existing quarries we just feel like this is the wrong quarry for a fourth quarry,” Rigdon said.
She and others along the corridor oppose the proposed Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry.
One concern area residents expressed is the proposed quarry’s effect on water. All the communities along the highway operate off well water.
“We’re very concerned about what could get into that creek,” Rigdon said.
From studies Transit Mix Concrete has conducted, it says there’s little reason for concern.
“What studies have shown is that there’s virtually no impact beyond approximately a half mile radius of the mine,” said Deborah Hileman, communication coordinator for Transit Mix Concrete.
Hileman said the company will address issues if and when they come up with residents.
Another concern is the location of the quarry.
“Sixty five homes and properties will be forced to drive through the quarry to get to and from their homes,” Rigdon said.
Blasting three times a week for 55 years will leave residents with difficulties getting to and from their homes.
“Transit Mix has said it will be a half an hour, (but) we’ve heard an hour minimum. If there’s a problem with the blast, it could be up to two hours,” Rigdon said.
Transit Mix told KRDO NewsChannel 13 on Sunday blocking of the road for blasting would only take, “five to ten minutes,” Hileman said.
And an alternate road can be used in emergencies.
The visibility of the quarry is also a concern.
“Because of the topography of the land there, we are able to put the quarry in an inconspicuous location from the highway and most areas around it, you really won’t be able to see much of it,” Hileman said.
Rigdon disagrees.
“It’s not going to be as visible from I-25 as the Pikeview Quarry, but that doesn’t mean it’s not visible,” Rigdon said.
Bottom line for Rigdon: The quarry doesn’t need to go in the middle of her community.
“We’re not saying we’re anti-quarry. We’re just saying this is not the right place for one,” Rigdon said.
There is a public hearing on Transit Mix’s permit for the proposed quarry on Wednesday.
The group opposed plans to bring up all of their concerns there before the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board. Transit Mix will also be presenting.
