Stream reroute presents setback for quarry in Parley’s Canyon

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

The state said it cannot yet approve the culvert installation that the quarry needs

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Granite Construction, the company seeking to build a controversial quarry in Parley’s Canyon, has requested state permission to alter a stream that supplies water to Salt Lake City.

Last week, however, the state announced that it cannot approve the application just yet.

Based in California, Granite Construction aims to develop the I-80 South Quarry, a limestone quarry in Parley’s Canyon. The project requires rerouting and improving an access road, which involves installing a new culvert on a stream. In May, Granite Construction applied for permission from the Utah Division of Water Rights to install the culvert. However, according to a letter from the Division of Water Rights, Granite did not provide sufficient information about the culvert. Officials have left the application in “unapproved status.” The application may still be approved if Granite addresses the division’s concerns.

Granite argues that the limestone quarry will supply aggregate materials needed for the Wasatch Front’s growing population.

The project is facing strong opposition from residents, local officials, and nonprofits, who argue that it poses risks to air quality, water, and wildlife. The Parley’s Creek watershed, which provides about 20% of Salt Lake City’s water, is a particular point of concern, according to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.