Geneva Rock has submitted an application to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM) to expand their mining operations in Draper. This application has received preliminary approval, and DOGM has opened a public comment period through September 12, 2022 to consider any substantive comments related to specific impacts the expansion would cause. Following are some examples of the potential impacts that are evaluated by DOGM for the permit approval:
- Any impacts to surface and groundwater systems;
- Any impacts to state and federal threatened or endangered species or their critical habitats;
- Any impacts of mining operations on slope stability, erosion control, air quality, and public health and safety
Please note that Geneva Rock has addressed these impacts in the application packet, thus it may be helpful to review the packet before submitting a public comment. Comments should be sent via email to ogmminerals@utah.gov. If that email address returns as not deliverable, you may resubmit to waynewestern@utah.gov.
This proposed expansion has a long history. Draper City most recently received an application from Geneva Rock in February 2020 – to rezone from agricultural to manufacturing for an expansion of their operations of about 75 acres. Following a negative recommendation from the planning commission, Geneva Rock put the application on hold. Since then, these processes have become the focus of legislative action, resulting in state code changes, and local land use control has become more limited.
Draper City is looking into what recourse, if any, the City will have under state law if the permit is approved by DOGM. Draper City expects Geneva Rock to comply with all state and local requirements.