The property taxes will be paid on the direct purchase of 1005 acres. This is an increase from what is currently provided by the state payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) and increase the tax base for some townships.
Graymont has extensive experience with quarrying and underground mining. Based on what is known about the local geology and mining methods, and a recent hydrologic study performed by an external consultant, we do not expect wells to be affected.
Yes. Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC (Foth) has completed a review of surface water and groundwater conditions. Based on the position of the project with respect to adjacent water resources, the low permeability of the geologic/hydrologic rock, the location of water supply wells, and the significant amount of recharge from precipitation, material effects to the water features and resources are not expected.
Engineering / Planning – We want to avoid water in our operations and we engineer our activities with this objective.
Introduction of water into quarries and / or underground mines:
Yes, we anticipate that this project will create job opportunities for local residents as described in the Graymont Employment Standards. (Link to Graymont)
Yes, access to the land associated with this project will be available for existing uses as described in the Sustainability Section. (Link to We are Listening section)
Pending market conditions and securing the necessary property rights, Graymont projects quarry operations to start by 2015
Graymont would begin when the market demand cannot be supplied from other limestone sources. Current projections for underground mining are 30 to 50 years from now after surface mining has been completed.
Yes, we will need to utilize trucks to move stone from the Hendricks Quarry to the Sand Products Dock. We are working with MDOT and the local road commissions to evaluate the route and determine if any improvements should be implemented to best protect the interests of the community.
Longer term, we will evaluate other options such a conveyors and/or rail as alternate or supplemental options.
Ultimately, we want to work towards the best approach for the various transport options together with local community. If trucking is used, we will work with the road commissions to ensure resources are directed to these maintain roads as needed. We also will evaluate and choose route(s) most compatible with the communities.
Graymont will not surface quarry for the high calcium limestone in the underground mine area for the following reasons.
Note: Non-active surface areas will remain open to the public for existing uses. In addition, in the revised land transaction application, filed in October 2014 the State has retained the surface in the majority of the surface in underground area.
Through consolation with the local community, the proposal of community development fund was generated that would be launched with an investment of $100,000 per year for the first five years from Graymont. This fund will provide grants to the community that support regional initiatives and projects.
Following discussions with a number of UP community leaders, it was determined that the Fund should prioritize the following areas: