Published: November 6, 2017 |

[Click image to enlarge]

The Corrigan Ranch Mine project appears to be moving ahead smoothly, with no residents voicing objections during a City Council hearing Thursday.

The mineral mine would be developed on the 973-acre Corrigan Ranch in western Indian River County.

The mine, which mostly would supply sand for beach renourishment and aggregate for roadways and other construction projects, could be in operation within three months, according to Nick Stewart, whose business, Stewart Materials of Jupiter, would run the mine.

Attorney Christopher Marine, who represents both the Corrigan family and Stewart Materials, said his office has heard no concerns from residents and no one spoke against the project at Wednesday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.

Patrick Grahl, who lives on 82nd Avenue not far from the proposed mine, said he was prepared to object because of his bad experiences with other mines in the area. After meeting with the Corrigan family and Stewart Mine representatives, he changed his mind.

“They heard our concerns, and they listened,” said Grahl. “They showed us all their plans way before they had to, just in case we had any concerns. The more I’ve looked at their plans and digested what they are doing out there, it’s a lot more than putting a big hole in the ground. There’s a lot of foresight about what’s going to be out there in that area.”

The mine would be on ranch land away from residential neighborhoods, Marine said. The few homes on the east side of 90th Avenue mostly are owned by members of the Corrigan family, he said.

“We think it fits pretty well with the neighbors,” said Marine. “Of course, nothing’s perfect, but this is pretty close.”

An agreement with the city would allow up to 120 total truck trips, in and out, per hour. Trucks would follow a route from State Road 60 to 90th Avenue to 26th Street, and access the ranch off the 9000 block of 26th Street.

Indian River County still must approve the use of 90th Avenue to transport the material over unpaved portions of the road built with crushed, recycled asphalt.

Once all permits are received, Stewart said, the project will be presented to the county to get approval to use 90th Avenue.

The state Department of Environmental Protection already has approved its permits, and an Army Corps of Engineers permit is expected any day, Stewart said.

The City Council is expected to make its final determination Nov. 16.

Source: TC Palm

To stop by Stewart Materials’ website, CLICK HERE

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!