<font color="#FF0000">UPDATE:</font> Quarry proposal has south-county residents concerned

Public hearing to address issue set for Tuesday

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter

Residents in the south end of Suwannee County are concerned about the possibility of a lime rock mine that may be built near the Beachville community.

Charles Williams of Tallahassee, a former Suwannee County Commissioner and state representative, owns the land in question. He said C. A. Boone Construction in Lake City wants to purchase 62 of his 127 acres to mine lime rock. The property is located near 256th Street and SR 247. The company went before the county zoning board a couple of weeks ago to discuss the use of the land. The zoning board issued a unanimous recommendation against the project.

Tom Matthews, who lives next to the proposed mining site, said he is worried about his property value and what effect the proposed quarry might have on the aquifer and bodies of water in the area.

"We all see the air, noise and traffic pollution and the ugliness of the existing mining operations on US 27," Matthews said by email. "The impact on land values, tourism and the tax base for the county will be impacted. ... nothing about this application has anything to do with preserving the county's natural resources or benefiting the citizens. It is all about the seller and buyer of the property."

Carla Ford owns a home in front of the proposed mine.

"I'm pretty upset about it," Ford said by phone Wednesday. "We have a son that's autistic and the blasting will be detrimental to him."

Williams said a mine existed there about 30-40 years ago and doesn't see a problem with future mining.

"I understand why some is concerned," Williams said Wednesday. "It would be on the very back part of the property. I think techniques used today is greatly improved. I don't see it as a big problem."

Williams said lime rock from past mining was used to construct US 27 in Branford and portions of I-75.

A public hearing will be held at the June 16 county commission meeting to discuss the matter. It is scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall in Live Oak.

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