Opening a new gravel pit or landfill in Box Elder County may no longer be as easy as it used to be. The County Commission held two public hearings recently to hear comments on two proposed ordinances.

The first was the Mining, Quarry, Sand and Gravel Excavation ordinance which would require new, commercial-use gravel pits to apply for a permit from the county. Robert Adams of Brigham City said he was concerned specifically about his gravel pits, which are in the unzoned area of the county.

“We have several gravel pits,” Adams said. “If we ever do anything commercially again do we have to apply for a permit?”

Director of County Community Development Kevin Hamilton said if a gravel pit is used in the same way it has been historically no permit will be needed. This ordinance, which would not impact existing gravel pits, is focused more on the larger commercial operations that want to come in to the area, he said. In addition to historical use being exempt, Hamilton said there would also be an exemption for excavating up to 1,000 cubic yards annually, which he said some of the larger ranchers use.

Another decision regarding the ordinance the commissioners have to make is whether this will be a countywide ordinance, or will only affect the zoned areas of the county. County Attorney Stephen Hadfield said the planning commission has reviewed the ordinance and has recommended that it only apply to the zoned areas of the county.

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