White Rock Quarries plans to host two public hearings in the coming months in the process of securing environmental permits in 2014 to start a mining operation in Vincent, Ala., that has generated strong opposition from residents.
Kathy Copeland, director of governmental and public relations for White Rock Quarries, provided a brief update about the company’s proposal known as the Vincent Hills Quarry at a recent South Shelby Chamber of Commerce meeting in Columbiana, Ala., according to the Shelby County Reporter.
“It’s been a long time coming for White Rock,” Copeland said, noting an Alabama Supreme Court decision released last December in favor of the city and the project. “The lawsuits are over now. The town has been declared doing the right thing, which is good.” The company is in the process of securing environmental permits for air and water related to the Vincent operation. “The only thing that remains is for us is to continue doing our due diligence and work through the permitting process,” Copeland said.
The company is planning on opening a quarry in Vincent that will bring upwards of 125 jobs to the community and needed tax revenues for the municipal government. The company plans to donate $1.65 million to the community for schools a new senior center, a recreation center, street paving and other services.
But the project has raised concerns from residents worried about impacts to their land and water in the area that has already been plagued with pollution concerns. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is continuing to conduct an investigation at the nearby Alabama Plating Company superfund site.