Air Quality

Gravel pits are harmful to air quality due to the high volume of fugitive dust they emit.
The proposed Parleys Canyon gravel pit would create an estimated 220 million pounds of mine and processing waste over its life expectancy of about 100 years.
This dust carries toxins such as crystalline silica, which is a carcinogen known to damage lung tissue and function and is a Group 1 carcinogen.
Despite the gravel pit operator’s best efforts, persistent canyon winds make suppressing fugitive dust nearly impossible.
The current Harper/Kilgore gravel pit in Parleys Canyon, operating on just 11 acres, has a dismal track record for air quality and causing fugitive dust.
Utah has very weak fugitive dust regulations and the Division of Air Quality lacks the authority or staff capacity for effective enforcement.

Environmental Impacts

Scenic Value

The size and scope of the proposed I-80 South Quarry would be the largest mining operation in the Central Wasatch Mountains.

Wildfire

Significantly increased industrial activity will dramatically increase the risk of wildfires.

Habitat Destruction

The proposed I-80 South Quarry would destroy hundreds of acres of habitat for elk, deer, lynx, bobcat, moose, black bear, mountain lion, golden eagle, and other species.

Water Supply & Quality

Fugitive dust from the proposed gravel pit is not only a threat to our air quality but also to our increasingly scarce water supply.

We’re a collaboration of individuals and organizations dedicated to saving Parleys Canyon from destructive development and exploitation, now and forever.

We have been fortunate to partner with Save Our Canyons and we thank them for assisting us with our email list, donations, and petition.

We can be reached at info@saveparleys.org