As you may have heard Riverside Contracting, Inc. has filed an application for a permit to open an asphalt plant, gravel pit open mine, and gravel crushing operation, which will be located at the T intersection of White Coyote Road and Martz Drive. The permit would be for 20 years and produce 1,000,000 yards of material.
Proposed Asphalt and Gravel Pit in Arlee Montana
In March 2021 Montana House Bill 599 was passed. This bill drastically changed the permitting process for open pit mines. The Montana Legislature changed the law to make it easier for these plants to be set up right next to people’s homes.
Currently Missoula County is making it difficult for new gravel pit operations, so industrialists are looking elsewhere to set up gravel operations where there aren’t large populations opposed to them.
We have several concerns about this project, and it will take a lot of effort by our community in the form of gathering information, meeting with officials, and meeting with state and local politicians to answer those concerns. It is our hope that we can all come together to help shape the future of the Jocko Valley.
Concerns:
- Noise levels
- Ground Water Quality
- Air Quality
- Chemical Storage Use
- Property Values
- Dust Control
- Road Traffic Safety
- Fuel Storage
- Operating Hours
- Road Maintenance
Permitting this kind of an operation is not just a threat for the moment, once the permit is granted the property value of that land will rise. Even if Riverside Construction does not set up the plant, the permit will be a boon to anyone that wants to buy the property and open up a gravel pit without the hassle of a major opposition.
Jocko Valley is a wonderful place to live and we as a community need to preserve the things we value most. Please share our website and participate however you are able.
