COMAL COUNTY, Texas - Opposition to a proposed limestone quarry in Comal County is rallying in hopes the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality won't issue the Alabama-based company a permit.
Malann Guckian bought land in Comal County twenty years ago and was waiting for the perfect time to build her dream house.
It's now a dream come true but she fears it won't last long if Vulcan Materials Company has their way.
"They're going to mine – open-pit mine less than a football field away from me," said Guckian.
The Alabama-based company is seeking a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to construct a 1,500 acre mine in Comal County.
Rendering of the entrance to the proposed Comal quarry. (Credit: Vulcan Materials Company)
Sabrina Housermaya said she worries about heavy machinery making traffic dangerous, dust from the quarry polluting the air and toxic chemicals seeping into the ground.
"It's also placed right on top of the Edwards Aquifer recharging zone, so we are very concerned about our wells being pumped dry. We're concerned about the quantity of water, and the quality of water that may be negatively impacted," said Housermaya.
The TCEQ is only required to have one public comment meeting on the project before they can legally issue a permit.
"Many people say to us 'why are you fighting so hard. It's a done deal.' We don't believe it's a done deal," said Housermaya
Housermaya said she'll oppose this project until ground is broken to keep a quarry out of Guckian's front yard.
We reached out to Vulcan Materials Company and Brett Bryant, vice president and general manager of Vulcan’s Southwest Division, sent a response saying:
“Our goal from Day 1 has been to present a safe and responsible plan and demonstrate that we’re committed to Comal County and the community. The large 1,500-acre property is uniquely designed to fit within the existing landscape and typography and will include more than 600 acres of buffer zones, setbacks and natural landscape, meaning 40 percent of the property will not be mined.”
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