Proposed mine in Parley’s Canyon continues to meet opposition

The area where a proposed quarry would be located in Parleys Canyon is pictured in May 2023. Photo: Mike Stephen

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A 20-acre mine proposed to be built in Parley’s Canyon by a California company has met more opposition from shareholders who stand against it. 

The shareholders in the Granite Construction claim say the company isn’t meeting its own environmental standards. Recently, the group has asked Granite Construction to listen to their concerns at an upcoming annual shareholders meeting. 

Granite Construction is still waiting on approval to build the I-80 South Quarry. The Utah Division of Air Quality and Salt Lake County have each said they won’t grant approval because of strong local opposition to the project. The proposed mine would be located about three miles from Salt Lake City up Parley’s Canyon.

Residents in the Mt. Aire area and officials share concern that the quarry will worsen air quality, threaten wildlife and jeopardize Parley’s Creek, an important water source for Salt Lake City. Granite construction has also been criticized for its lack of engagement with the community.

In 2022, Mt. Aire residents and property owners were neither informed nor consulted about Granite’s plans to close access to the dirt road that parallels the freeway’s eastbound lanes.

The shareholders’ proposal, filed in January, said the quarry’s potential to “expose nearby communities to toxic fugitive dust, excavate up to 634 acres of forest land, and displace the known presence of elk, moose, black bear, mountain lion, golden eagle, and other species” is a considerable business risk.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Granite Construction asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to allow the company to exclude the shareholders proposal in February.

The SEC has not yet made a decision.

In response to shareholders, Granite Construction’s board of directors said they have already addressed concerns and that the I-80 South Quarry project aligns with the company’s environmental and community engagement goals.