Guilford County Says No To Rock Quarry

Guilford County commissioners have said no to a proposed rock quarry near Pleasant Garden.

The commissioners voted 8-0 against the measure, basically preventing Lehigh Hanson from operating a quarry. The Texas-based company was seeking county approval to rezone over 300 acres of land for the project.

Lehigh Hanson had made a last-ditch attempt to address environmental and safety concerns raised by residents. A major factor was the question of how the quarry would have impacted residential well water.

The News and Record reports that hundreds of people filled the meeting room, many wearing T-shirts objecting to the quarry. Jubilant opponents cheered after the vote, and rushed to thank the commissioners.

An attorney representing the opposition said Lehigh Hanson hadn't proven that the quarry would be compatible with rural, mostly residential southeastern Guilford County.