WHEATLAND – In response to questions brought before the commissioners at their July 9 budget meeting, the owners of Peak Gravel want to clarify the DEQ gravel pit expansion in question.
At the meeting, Jeanette and Roger Barber asked commissioners where the county stood on expansion of the gravel pit and subsequent road use, citing a current Department of Environmental Quality permit application being sought by the company. The commissioners responded they would not limit use of any county road for any business or individual, and while there has been no inquiry from the company to the county on any expansion, their stance as a board is to stand by previously approved permits and the rules set forth by county ordinances. Anything outside those parameters would not be allowed.

Peak Gravel, for the record, is not currently seeking to expand the commercial gravel pit beyond the previously authorized 15 acres as approved by the State of Wyoming Limited Mining Operations rules and regulations, DEQ and Platte County many years ago.
The company sent letters as required by DEQ to notify owners in the immediate vicinity about the DEQ permit being sought and approved. There has been no application submitted to the county planning and zoning department because it is not applicable to this expansion.
They have fully complied with all laws and the county rules, contrary to the implication as set forth in the article published in last week’s local newspaper.
Representing the owners of Peak Gravel, Tracy de Ryk said in conclusion, the company is simply expanding to utilize previously authorized acreage, and has been attempting to work with the neighbors to be as responsive as possible with their concerns about noise, dust, traffic, etc. “We want to be respectful of our neighbors as much as possible,” she said.