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Topic Description:
The applicant wishes to amend a previously
approved Special Exception under Zoning Ordinance Section
3-19; Mining, Quarrying, Mineral Processing; which would
allow the plant to operate for an indefinite period of time,
with the applicant submitting documentation of compliance
with all requirements to the Board of Supervisors every
three (3) years.
Project Update:
On December 8, 2005, the Board of Supervisors
held a public hearing on this item. The hearing was closed,
but action was postponed to complete final refinements to
the Special Exception conditions. In particular, the
applicant was asked to respond in writing to issues raised
by an adjoining property owner. One outstanding issue deals
with the 100-year floodplain and the area surrounding the
scale facility.
Staff and the applicant have met with
Supervisor Stribling to discuss the project. At the time of
preparation of this report, staff is still reviewing the
latest submittal. Additional information will be provided
to the Board members prior to their meeting.
The Planning Commission conducted its public
hearing on September 29, 2005, and postponed action.
Special attention was focused on updating the conditions of
approval for the existing quarry. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the Special Exception, subject to
conditions, at its December 7, 2005 meeting.
Background:
Luck Stone Corporation was granted approval
of a Special Exception (Category 19) for quarrying
activities on November 17, 1987. The initial Special
Exception approval was valid for five (5) years with a
subsequent renewal period of three (3) years. On April 5,
1994, the Special Exception was amended to extend the
renewal periods to twelve (12) years; renewal would also
include review by the Board of Supervisors. Thus, the
current Special Exception’s twelve-year period would expire,
or require renewal by April 5, 2006.
The applicant proposes to delete the Special
Exception condition referring to this time period for
renewal/review and thus allow for an indefinite period of
operation. This provision would
include language, via a condition, that a report would be
submitted to the Board of Supervisors every three (3) years
thereafter, documenting that the use of the property was in
compliance with all Special Exception conditions, per
Section 5-1903 (2b) of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Bealeton Plant parcel is approximately
392 acres in size. Luck Stone has been operating in
Virginia since 1923. It has been operating in Fauquier
County since 1987. The applicant states it has established
a very good track record over the past eighteen (18) years
and that it operates responsibly. Further, the applicant
notes that Luck Stone Corporation and its employees have a
tradition of community involvement. The Bealeton Quarry has
also been recognized for its business and operational
practices with numerous industry awards.
This application request would not change any
use or activities at the site. The operational lifetime for
the quarry, given today’s market conditions, is
approximately 50 years.
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