Mining map gets no public support

By DON RUANE, druane@news-press.com

Mining opponents and advocates panned a map Tuesday that shows where mining might be acceptable in the area between Alico and Corkscrew roads.

The map was prepared without adequate research, both sides told county commissioners during a public hearing on proposed amendments to the land development code.

Even Community Development Director Mary Gibbs said drop the map, but proceed with regulations that tighten the operating rules for mines.

“The map has created a lot of controversy,” Gibbs said.

County commissioners decided to move both the map and the proposed regulations to a second and final public hearing at 5:05 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, in the commission’s chamber.

The map probably will be dropped, Commissioner Doug St. Cerny said.

“We don’t have any idea what to do on that,” Commissioner Andy Coy said.

Commission Chairman Ray Judah was absent, and Commissioner Bob Janes left the meeting earlier for a prior commitment. Commissioner John Albion did not comment.

The public had plenty to say, with 37 people commenting.

Corkscrew area residents raised common concerns related to mining. The concerns included speeding trucks, blasting, wildlife habitat loss and mining’s impact on groundwater supplies.

Mining creates lakes in the county’s groundwater recharge area that will lose water through evaporation, said Ralph Brooks of the Florida Wildlife Federation.

Residents said mines should be kept out of the Corkscrew Road area, but the pressure for them is increasing.

Mining advocates such as Greg Stuart, representing Westwind Corkscrew Mine, noted that mines are economic assets.

More extensive reporting as required in the proposed amendments isn’t needed, said Tracy Hayden, environmental manager for south Florida for Florida Rock Industries. Government should do more to enforce the rules in place, she said.

Ron Inge, Florida Rock’s business development vice president, suggested the county should map the resources to be mined and then permit mining as a right of the area property owners.

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