Rockingham County Board of Supervisors discusses quarry expansion

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors discussed whether or not to allow the Frazier Quarry to expand operations to its land on Buttermilk Creek Road.

The quarry’s potential new special use permit has been a hot topic for residents near Buttermilk Creek Road. It would allow the quarry to operate on its several acres of land in the area, which many residents say already has a major traffic problem.

Since the permit would allow the quarry to sell for 24 hours, seven days a week, neighbors said the traffic issue would worsen. They also worried the chance of accidents would increase, especially with more large trucks driving in and out of the area.

Residents also have concerns about noise and dust from blasting and crushing operations, and many wondered how noise limits would be enforced.

“We also have an obligation to make sure that the residents of the area are safe,” said Sallie Wolfe-Garrison, a member of the Board of Supervisors, “We have not done a good job of that. We can fix that. That can be fixed.”

Representatives from the Frazier Quarry spoke. After a public hearing and several back-and-forth discussions between board members, the board decided it will vote on the expansion at a later meeting date.

Members will continue to address the existing traffic issues to make the area safer before voting on the special use permit. The board will resume its 12-month study to improve traffic and road safety.