Augusta County Attempts to Restrict Mining

Over the past two years, VTCA Aggregate Producer Members have had to quickly react to localities that wanted to restrict or eliminate mining within their jurisdiction. VTCA and our members have so far managed to stave off any significant detrimental language in the regulations.

The latest installment of “whack-a-mole” comes from Augusta County. Recently, Augusta County has submitted a proposed zoning ordinance revision for the Board of Supervisors to consider.

The updated ordinance would have made the following three major changes:

• The setback for all "buildings, structures, and operations" would have to be at least 500 feet from the property lines. Currently, this buffer is 200 feet.
• The board of zoning appeals may reduce or eliminate the five hundred feet setback between adjoining properties where similar industrial uses are ongoing.
• An amendment striking “the adjoining property owners agree that such a reduction is mutually beneficial” from the requirements the Board of Zoning Appeals should consider during the approval process.

One disturbing development in the effort in Augusta County is that the proposed ordinance was placed on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda mere hours before a vote and before any of the county’s aggregate operators were made aware the county was considering revising the ordinance. The county did follow all the correct notification protocols, but they did not notify the impacted industry.

Fortunately, some industry representatives were able to attend the meeting and persuade the Board of Supervisors to table the issue until the aggregate industry had a chance to weigh in.

Augusta County will be conducting a public information meeting on Feb. 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center. VTCA and its Aggregate Members with facilities in the county will be participating in this meeting and informing stakeholders of the impact increasing the buffer area will have on mining operations.