Deadline to comment on proposed gravel pit on Hwy 97A at Chelan city limits is Dec. 5

The Chelan County Department of Community Development is considering an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 20-017) for an open mine gravel pit just north of the intersection of Hwy 97A and Willmorth Drive, at the top of the hill beyond Walmart, adjacent to the city limits.
The application is titled “a short term mineral extraction”, but the application specifies that this is an open mine gravel pit.  The intention is to extract one million cubic yards of rock and gravel and crush it on site over the next six years.  The pit could be up to 250 feet deep.  Up to 50 trucks per day would visit the site.
The intended open mine/gravel pit operation conflicts with the historical use and existing zoning of this property (Rural Residential 20) and adjacent properties (Rural Residential 5).  Numerous adjacent home owners would suffer loss of use, and loss of value of their property, due to noise and dust.
The general public, using Hwy 97A, would be subjected to increased noise, dust, and risk of accident and injury while using Hwy 97A if this CUP is approved.  The Hwy 97A access for this property is at the crest of a hill (from both directions) with limited sight distance, high speeds, and slow/turning traffic at the intersection with Willmorth Drive, with no turn lane.
The site is also directly adjacent to one of three major access points into our valley and the City of Chelan.  Having an open mine/gravel pit at one of the entrances to our valley and City certainly does not send a welcoming message.
If this concerns you, or you would like more information, please contact the Chelan County Department of Community Development, 509-667-6225.  Comments, by mail or e-mail, are due by Dec. 5, 2020.  E-mail jamie.strother@co.chelan.wa.us.
A copy of the application is available on-line at: https://co-chelan-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/PublicNotice/PublicNoticeSearch
If you have time to review this issue and comment to the County Dept. of Community Development, that would be great.

Randy Brooks
Chelan