Sand Mining Operation to Be Reviewed
A sand and gravel mining operation being built along the Colorado River will get its first environmental report card tonight. Photo by maryatexitzero, flickr.com/photos/marypmadigan.By Mark Dewey
A controversial sand and gravel mine currently under construction in eastern Travis County will get its first environmental report card tonight.
The facility is located near the Colorado River, just west of Webberville. Texas Industries Inc., known as TXI, is building the plant to supply concrete and other construction materials throughout Texas.
The mine was approved a couple of years ago, but not without debate. Opponents have argued it would bring traffic, dust, and noise, and might adversely affect the river.
Neal Cook, who owns a canoe rental business nearby, worries about the river’s water quality in times of heavy water flow.
“Their levees blow out, it flushes their ponds, brings them cleaner sand and gravel,” Cook said. “And it’s not good for the river, but it’s a fact of life.”
Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources says the mine will have to be a certain distance from the Colorado River, because the river feeds into the aquifer.
Initial testing results will be revealed at a public meeting tonight. It starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road.
