Following is a statement prepared by the Americus Area Community Coalition board members. Also included is a news video discussing the quarry ordinance.

Source: WLFI – News 18

At an AACC public meeting this past winter, Senator Ron Alting stood and delivered a powerful, positive message to area residents: “Grassroots works.” It appears he was on to something.

An ordinance requiring a buffer zone between residential homeowners and mineral extraction operations passed its first reading unanimously today. This ordinance was based on a proposal brought to the commissioners just last week by those who live in their county – government officials acting in response to information brought to their attention.

It is understood that mining is a necessary industry to any developing county. It is also understood that quarries have detrimental effects on residential properties and those who live there. We asked the commissioners to think proactively and consider requiring space between residences and mining operations.

This new ordinance would not permit mining to take place within a two-mile circle containing 100 residences or more. This would render the proposed Americus quarry site unavailable for mineral extraction operations. This ordinance would not prohibit quarrying in Tippecanoe County. There are other more sparsely, primarily agrarian areas of the county where this type of operation would be less intrusive (e.g. the area of the Kentland quarry). That type of operation is allowed for by this ordinance.

This ordinance also would not affect sand and aggregate dealerships, so there are no “grandfathering” issues. No existing aggregate operation in Tippecanoe County would be affected by this ordinance. The proposed ordinance would require no new licensing or regulation process, with no cost to the county; it simply requires some space between people and industry.

It’s not over yet. There is a two-week period of open comment. This time period allows the commissioners to engage in consideration of public input. After the fact-gathering period, the proposed ordinance still has to pass its second reading.

The second reading will take place on July 7 at 10:00 at the City-County Office Building, 20 North 3rd street. Please attend if you are able and show your support of this ordinance. Let people know if you believe that no industry has the right to come at a cost to people – in dollars, health, or safety.

For more information, please attend the AACC public meeting this Thursday evening at Wolfe’s Leisure Time Campground at 7:00 p.m.