How gravel mining impacts our community — and yours

submitted by Sharon Preservation Society

Sharon Preservation Society is hosting a community informational event, “How Gravel Mining Impacts Our Community — and Yours,” on July 23 from 10am to 1pm at UAW Hall — Local 1284 located at 2795 S M-52 in Chelsea. The event, which will be held rain or shine, will be outdoors under a large canopy with plenty of seating.

Attendees from Sharon Township and surrounding communities, who rarely hear the full impact of aggregate mining during public hearings, can learn from experts about:

• The potential very serious consequences of an aggregate mine, including the impacts on health safety, traffic, the environment, and property values
• The impact of a package of bills, SB 429-431, supported by the aggregate industry, that would effectively pre-empt the control of local governments over the permitting and oversight of mining operations
• What small townships can do if they determine a mine would seriously impact the community

The family-friendly event is free, open to the public, and features a panel of speakers who can answer attendees’ questions. Panelists include:

• Halley Fox, State Government Affairs Coordinator, Michigan League of Conservation Voters
• Larry Heslinga, Chair, Committee for Gravel Mining Concerns, Healthy Waters Alliance
• Donna Lasinski, State Representative, 52nd District, Michigan House Democratic Leader
• Peter Psarouthakis, Supervisor, Sharon Township
• Mike Wilczynski, Certified Professional Geologist, Pangea Environmental LLC

Before and after the panel discussion, attendees can listen to live music, get something to eat from a food truck, and pick up additional information on the consequences of aggregate mining.

As more Michigan communities receive permit applications from mine operators, many residents are wondering if Michigan needs more aggregate mines and if there are places where mines should not be located, and trying to understand the potential impact of having a gravel mine in their community.

In Sharon Township, the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees is currently reviewing an application from Stoneco Inc. to create a 400-acre mine on prime farmland on Pleasant Lake Road. Many residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the mine.

“To date, Sharon Township residents who attended the public hearings about the proposed 400-acre mine have heard only the applicant’s point-of-view regarding the impact of the potential mine,” said Barbara Schmid, President of Sharon Preservation Society. “These residents have not heard from scientists, environmentalists, or individuals with other points of view. We think they deserve this opportunity, and they should know about the consequences of SB 429-431, should those bills become law. This event is that opportunity.”

For more information about the event visit http://sharonpreservationsociety.org/7-23-22-event-info/

For more information about Sharon Preservation Society visit http://sharonpreservationsociety.org/

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.