By BRANDI CRAIN
A planned expansion of a gravel pit in Santaquin has residents considering the benefits and costs of development.
The Valley Asphalt Company with headquarters in Spanish Fork has plans to move their operations from the rock quarry west of Santaquin to the gravel pit east of town.
Brent Sumsion, president of the company, requested a zoning ordinance change so his company can be annexed into Santaquin to make expansion possible. He said the main reasons for the move are consolidation and consideration for the downtown area of Santaquin.
“We want to consolidate our operations closer to the freeway and eliminate traffic through the main parts of town,” Sumsion said. “Eighty to 90 percent of the aggregate, or crushed rock, used is being brought down Main Street in Santaquin. These loads can emit a lot of dust. Our trucks currently pass through a school zone and pass a lot of people on the main street.”
Ready-mix and concrete operations would be coming to the gravel pit, if the expansion is approved. Sumsion said these operations emit no dust and would not cause negative effects.
Residents don’t agree. They have voiced complaints about the negative effects to the mountain scenery.
But Sumsion said this mountain has been used to quarry sand, gravel and foundation stones since the late 1800’s when the pioneers first came here.
“There is a scar on the mountain and it will get worse but that’s what’s going to happen when we develop our natural resources,” Sumsion said.
Richard Cardon, a resident of Santaquin, thinks there should be a stipulation if Sumsion is granted permssion for the annexation.
“The area is really an eyesore now and I don’t want it to get any worse. But if they do expand where they want to, I think they should have to replant in the old area they are leaving to make up for the damage they’ll do in the other area,” Cardon said.
Sumsion said if Valley Asphalt is annexed into Santaquin, the city could get more revenue from the company’s production in sales, property and franchise taxes.
Another resident feels differently. Sandra Downey feels the economic benefits make the expansion worthwhile.
“They’ve promised more revenue for Santaquin so I think it’s a good idea to expand. If we could get better streets and ball parks, I think it would be worth it for the city,” Downey said.
A formal protest has been filed with the Utah County Boundary Commission by some Santaquin land owners and the decision is presently being discussed.
