HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-02 CityofCarmel
One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 1
NEWS RELEASE
Date: September 10, 2002
Contact: Nancy Heck (317) 571 -2494
Release: Immediate
Mayor Proposes Legislation to Regulate Mining
Within City Limits to Ensure Quality of Life for Adjoining Neighborhoods
Carmel, IN Mayor Jim Brainard today distributed a draft ordinance designed to
regulate mining within the City of Carmel to area homeowners seeking their comments.
The result of one of the most recent annexations is the inclusion of Martin Marietta
Aggregates mining operations, north of 96 Street at Hazel Dell Parkway, into the City
limits. Prior to the annexation, the mining operations were part of Clay Township, but
were outside of the city's jurisdiction.
"The city did not have the authority to regulate mining activity when the mine was not
within the city limits," said Mayor Brainard. "I asked the city council to annex this area
during my first term and now that the council is moving forward with the annexation, the
responsibility for ensuring a continuing good relationship between Martin Marietta and
the community now rests with the city along with state and federal regulatory agencies,"
he added.
Mayor Brainard said prior to the annexation of the area Carmel was limited to asking
Martin Marietta Aggregates for concessions and accommodations while it was outside of
the city except when its operations took its trucks over city streets. "They've always been
a responsible, good corporate citizen to the city," added the Mayor
Mayor Brainard stated in his cover letter to homeowners in the mine area that the
annexation of the mine would require the city council to consider urban mining issues
and the protection of all parties involved. "It's essential that we have an open discussion
concerning mining operations and that we keep our commitment to a high quality of life
in Carmel," said Mayor Brainard.
Therefore, the Mayor feels that it is important to address certain issues, related to urban
mining, to ensure the quality of life for neighborhoods so that the neighbors and the
mining operation can co- exist.
One important aspect of the new ordinance is the requirement that no new asphalt or
concrete production plants are allowed to locate north of 96 Street in the Carmel area.
There are currently asphalt plants south of 96 Street in Indianapolis and this would
prohibit them from moving on the north side of 96 Street.
These new regulations also call for Martin Marietta to submit a "Mined -Land Use Plan"
to the Carmel Clay Plan Commission to allow for input from neighbors and the
community. The land use plan has three parts relating to mining operations, reclamation
of land and mine -land uses.
In addition, the new ordinance regulates blasting and the times of day in which it can take
place and the resulting decibel levels.
The quarry at 96 Street began operation in 1964. Since that time, many neighborhoods
and businesses have sprung up around the operation making the presence of the mine
more noticeable and integrated into the urban environment. Most of the sand, stone and
gravel mined at the 96 Street facility is used within 30 miles of the operation. The
products help build safe roads and sidewalks for our communities.
"Martin Marietta's record of stewardship of the land and their commitment to bettering
the communities where they have facilities is commendable. These proposed regulations
will serve to give some more peace of mind to nearby neighborhoods, while allowing the
mine to generate product and continue to provide good jobs in the community," said
Carmel City Councilor Ron Carter who is sponsoring this ordinance.