Lawrence County Voters Reject Rock Quarry in Scenic Valley

DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — Lawrence County residents have resoundingly rejected a proposed rock quarry in scenic Centennial Valley.

Nearly two-thirds of the 1,749 people who took part in Tuesday's special election voted against allowing Rapid City-based Mountain View Ranches LLC to develop a 192-acre sand, gravel and rock quarry off Crook City Road.

The County Commission in June had narrowly approved the project. But area residents who opposed it gathered enough petition signatures to force the public vote, and a judge later rejected an attempt by Mountain View Ranches to block the election.

Opponents feared the quarry would jeopardize historic trails and lead to other problems including noise, dust and road damage.

Mountain View Ranches maintained that the area is appropriate for a quarry and said the operation wouldn't be disruptive.

Filed Under: Deadwood