Public comment period begins for Fruitland quarry

A permit for a second quarry near Saxony Lutheran High School has been filed with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, while the public comment period began Wednesday for another Fruitland-area quarry proposed earlier this month.

Strack Excavating LLC is proposing a 76-acre limestone quarry between U.S. 61 and County Road 601, according to an application received by the DNR on Oct. 19.

Earlier this month another company, Heartland Materials LLC submitted plans to DNR for a 161-acre limestone quarry off County Road 601 and DNR is now accepting public comments as part of its permit application process.

"We're hiring legal counsel and we're planning to fight both of them to the best of our ability," said Abby Petzoldt, Fruitland resident and a spokeswoman for the Fruitland's Community Protection Society.

The group, which recently sponsored a meeting in the Saxony gym about the impact of the proposed quarries, is planning more meetings and a letter-writing campaign.

Written comments, requests for an informal public meeting or a formal courtroom hearing may be made through Dec. 2 to the director of the Land Reclamation Program at DNR at P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102, by fax 573-751-0534 or email mining@dnr.mo.gov.

"The commission will look specifically for evidence that someone's health safety or livelihood will be unduly impaired by the issuance of the permit," said Renee Bumgart, DNR spokeswoman.

Opponents of the quarry continue to raise funds to support their campaign to stop the proposed developments. Petzoldt said that people now may make tax-deductible contributions to Saxony Lutheran High School to help fight the quarries. Donations to the Community Protection Society also may be made at Bank of Missouri branches.

"We are disappointed that these plans are moving forward, but we are excited about the support we're receiving," said Petzold. She did not disclose the amount of money the group has raised to date.

A site plan for Strack's proposed quarry and the complete permit application for Heartland Materials may be viewed online at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/fruitland.htm.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

County Road 601, Fruitland, MO