Activist Group Attempts to Block Mining Project

By Daniel Hawn

Published on October 13, 2006

Jim Stone, head of Cedar Crest, Swearingen, and Far View Concerned Citizens, said that the mining project, planned by the Lafarge Company, could negatively impact the quality of life of Sugar Creek residents.

Lafarge is planning a 167-acre project on a newly annexed area of the city. The company is attempting to have Sugar Creek rezoned as industrial so Lafarge can mine Bethany Falls limestone.

Area residents, however, are concerned about possible repercussions of the project, which, if approved, will be located in a residential area that includes over 800 homes and an elementary school.

Robert Chapman, an engineer representing the Property Law Center on behalf of the group opposed to the project, said that dust particles from the blasting involved could put children at the school at risk for developing silicosis. Silicosis is an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to silica -- a mineral found in rock, sand, and ores. Adults are also susceptible to the condition.

An operations manager with Lafarge said that silicosis is not a danger because silica emissions are not apparent in the type of limestone produced by the company.

The chair of the Jackson County legislature said that the legislature has already decided to oppose the project.

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