The public hearing scheduled for March 31 regarding the construction of a proposed quarry in Opelika has been postponed, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management announced Tuesday. ADEM said that Creekwood Resources, the company that plans to open the quarry, requested the postponement.
The hearing was scheduled to give individuals a chance to express concerns over potentially granting air and water permits to Creekwood Resources to establish a granite quarry near the intersection of Lee County Road 168 and U.S. Highway 43. Both air and water permits are needed for Creekwood Resources to begin construction and operation of the quarry.
ADEM said they will reschedule the hearing and give at least 30 days notice of location, date and time, unless Creekwood Resources chooses to withdraw their application for the permits.
ADEM said the public comment period will remain open until April 1, unless the permitting process is resumed.
Residents have raised concerns over the quarry's effect on air and water quality in Opelika and surrounding areas, as well as on Storybook Farm, a local non-profit, which the founder, Dena Little, expects to close if construction is allowed to begin.
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Evan Mealins, senior in philosophy and economics, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.
