Bastrop County residents voice concerns about the encroaching mining industry From the cover
1 Barton Hill Cemetery 2 Former Barton Hill Farms
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Mines along FM 969
Two-minute impact
COLORADO RIVER
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Future area of Barton Mine The Travis Materials future dig site at the former Barton Hill Farms. Land leased: 900 acres Expected opening: 2025
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Texas has seen a drastic growth in the gravel mine industry since it deregulated the industry in 2005, said State Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Williamson County while addressing Georgetown residents about similar concerns. As mines continue to open, residents are looking at the impact of the rapidly developing sector on the area. Erin Flynn and her husband, Skip Connett, own a ower farm overlooking the Rambo Materials mine. “It’s not unusual to hear noise at 3 and 4 a.m.” Flynn said.
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Travis Materials will limit running the rock crusher to one hour before sunrise and after sunset ocials at the company said. Weynand said the company welcomes residents to schedule a tour of the facility if they have concerns.
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NOTE: FINAL LAND PURCHASES ARE STILL EXPECTED AND THIS IS NOT THE EXACT ACREAGE.
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SOURCE: GOOGLE MAPS, TXDOTCOMMUNITY IMPACT
A closer look
in 30-acre increments each year in a process of mining the land then relling the hole with the overburden, or topsoil, from following dig sites throughout the 660-acre mine. Once the materials are extracted, the land is reclaimed and used for grazing cattle.
Materials produces 8,000-10,000 tons of aggre- gate each day, Weynand told Community Impact . The company employs 40-50 individuals, including wheel loaders and mechanics, living in Bastrop, Elgin, Cedar Creek and East Austin. At the Travis Materials mine, land is excavated
According to the Bureau of Economic Geology in Austin, mining has increased in response to the demand for sand and gravel also known as aggregate used to accommodate rapid urbaniza- tion in the region. Another mine along FM 969 run by Travis
Extraction of sand and gravel involves removing the overburden or topsoil. This process involves the use of diggers and dump trucks. Extraction
Raw material is then screened, washed and dried. Rock crushing and sorting machines used in this step are often the source of noise concerns. Processing
Trucks are loaded with processed sand and gravel known as aggregate to be transported to wholesale buyers. Transport
SOURCE: MIKE WEYNANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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