I am surprised that I haven’t heard more discussion on the proposed Parley’s mine expansion and I hope people will quickly educate themselves on this subject and consider sending in comments to the DAQ (Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s DIvision of Air Quality) prior to the July 27 deadline.
The existing approximate 10-acre mine is already an issue as far as dust pollution. Now there may be an additional 20 acres of mining? This will set a precedent for expanding throughout the 600 acres that I believe is owned by the mining group. Just this year an attempt was made in the Legislature to allow mining on or adjacent to anything that had been previously mined even if a city/planning commission is against it.
I am against this mine expansion because from what I have learned, dust created during the process contains materials like crystalline silica which is a carcinogen and already we are having serious issues with the air quality in the Salt Lake Valley. Dust could also pollute drinking water and Parley’s Canyon is a watershed for the Salt Lake Valley.
Dust may decrease snowfall. And it can accelerate snowmelt, which means less water will run off into the reservoirs and our Great Salt Lake.
Water is needed for the rock crushing process and more importantly, in the process of dust suppression. This means less water for our needs and the Great Salt Lake. In the end, poorer air quality and decreased snow and water will hurt our tourism and outdoor recreation not to mention our health and environment.
Please educate yourself on this. Just google about the mine or review DAQ’s Intent to Approve.
You can send comments to DAQ project manager John Persons [email protected] and copy also to DAQ Division Director Bryce Bird [email protected], Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director Kim Shelley [email protected], and Gov. Cox.
Jean Tabin
Park City