Geneva Rock mine expansion approved at Point of the Mountain in Salt Lake County
SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (KUTV) — A Geneva Rock mine expansion was approved in the permit area at the Point of the Mountain in Salt Lake County.
Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (OGM) Director John Baza announced a tentative approval of Geneva Rock's mine expansion on Monday.
The approval would expand the mine 77 acres south of Draper.
"The decision was based on factors within the division’s regulatory authority, including slope stability and erosion control, minimizing off-site impacts and posting an appropriate surety bond," a spokesperson for OGM said.
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Nearly 200 written public comments were received by division officials opposing the division's tentative clearance.
Additionally, Draper filed a Request for Agency Action contesting the tentative approval. The majority of public comments addressed issues governed by other municipal and state entities, such as air quality and traffic regulation, rather than OGM.
“We appreciate the comments received and understand the public’s concerns,” said Director Baza. “As a regulatory agency, our decisions are based on state rules governing what we can and cannot approve. Geneva has met OGM requirements. However, they must address other local and state agencies' rules before mining expansion operations begin.”
2News reported on the division's public hearing last month. Draper City claimed Geneva Rock was trying to go around local ordinance to get the approval from the state.