Prism: Pit could run safely and sensitively

CASPER —  An open letter from Prism Logistics General Manager Kyle True — addressed to the State Land and Investment Board, the Natrona County Commission and the Casper City Council — offered the company’s stance on some of the issues brought forth by residents and local leaders.

Public concern and controversy arose after Prism Logistics announced it had leased state land near Squaw Creek and Coates roads in hopes of developing a gravel mine.

Residents who live in the area took their fears to Natrona County Commissioners, who cannot say “yes” or “no” to True’s plans at present, since the land is owned by the state.

Residents also have come together to form the Casper Mountain Preservation Alliance, which is aimed at keeping any gravel mine operations off of the state lands.

The Star-Tribune previously reported that though Senate File 44, a bill that would have made it necessary for those seeking to start a limited mining operation obtain a conditional use permit, was vetoed, Commission Chairman Peter Nicolaysen believes county leaders still have some say in whether or not True can proceed.

True has previously said that since the exploration of the land is in an early state, he wouldn’t be openly discussing concerns brought up by residents, which focus on the impact a mine would have on the local environment and watershed.

“As Proverbs says, the first argument is always persuasive, until you hear the other side (that’s the KT translation),” True wrote in the email accompanying the letter.

Now he feels it is time to discuss “reasonable and effective accommodations,” he explained.

Water

If the presence of a gravel mine negatively impacts water quality, Prism Logistics would drill one or more wells and donate them to a homeowners’ association, True’s letter states.

He contends the new well would be a much better supply than what residents currently have. And there’s a possibility that it could originate in the Bighorn Mountains.

“This stable water source would likely eliminate the Spring runoff and Summer/Fall scarcity currently experienced by area residents as expressed in testimony. More research needs to be done here,” he wrote.

Air quality

“Modern gravel pit operations do not pose serious air quality threats to their environment,” True asserts.

As a sort of compromise, True said Prism Logistics would be willing to remove the mined aggregate resource from the area before crushing it, though the state would have to grant them that permission.

“This would mean that the only activity on these leases would be to screen aggregate from dirt similar to a building construction project or a pond construction project. With this type of scenario, reclamation is very timely following topsoil stripping disturbance.”

Another upside to this, he said, was that it would minimize how many trucks the operation would need and the amount of product “waiting for sale.”

Worries over air quality are high on the list for residents, who say that their children and animals would be especially affected and, if it was a particularly windy day, that dust would be blowing all over Casper.

Road safety

True promises that no trucks would run after 6 p.m. or before 6 a.m., as well as limiting them to 20 miles per hour during daily operations.

No Jake brakes, either, he wrote.

A portion of Squaw Creek Road was paved about a year and a half ago in a three-way agreement between residents, the county and Casper. The rest is unpaved.

Local leaders, like City Manager Carter Napier, told the Star-Tribune that they were doubtful the road would be able to handle consistent heavy truck traffic that a gravel mine operation would necessitate.

In his letter, True tried to mollify leaders by saying he was willing to agree to a maintenance standard with the city and county to keep the road in as good or better shape as how he found it.

Property values

True cites an active gravel pit on Robertson Road and the Oregon Trail neighborhood as proof that quality homes can be built and maintained near a mine.

“There are multiple homes directly downwind of the Knife River heavy industrial facility on the Highway 20 bypass. These homes are less than 750 feet from the Knife River facility,” he added.

True admitted the plan he presented is speculative and that Prism Logistics would have to develop a plan with the state Department of Environmental Quality, but laid out what he hopes a viable solution would be.

Prism Logistics, he said, could leave 20 acres of pit area open at any time, allowing residents to still be able to enjoy state land and decrease how much neighbors could see of the mine. It wouldn’t be invisible, but “much of the resource development would be difficult to see from even a half mile away,” he promised.

This was another top concern for homeowners and residents.

Many of them have said they moved to the area due to its natural beauty and serenity; having a gravel pit would not only be a severe health concern, but also impact their mental and emotional health by removing some of that beauty and serenity.

The future of the land

Nothing’s set in stone yet. That’s the takeaway True had.

But once extraction is done, he said, Prism Logistics would be willing to work with the state and other parties to try to maintain the pristineness of the land.

“There would be increased grazing available for the grazing lessee, possible additional water resources, such as a sizable pond, new bike trails and walking trails. Perhaps a polo field could be set here for equestrian use. These are not our decisions particularly to make, but the possibilities with proper planning are significant, and this could become an even more enjoyable piece of state land than it is today,” he wrote in the final portion of his letter.

This story was published on April 20, 2024.