The final hearing on the Comprehensive Plan and a new Troyer Brothers mine.
Corkscrew Road will become “the mining road” of SWFL with hundreds of additional truck trips per day if this additional mine is approved in East Lee County. In addition, this mine jeopardizes water quality, flooding controls, wildlife habitat and other environmental damage.
The Lee County Commissioners will approve or disapprove the Troyer Brother’s proposed mine, as well as changes to the Comprehensive Plan relating to the mine, at this meeting. The Hearing Examiner has recommended approval, so residents need to show up if they want to make an impact.
Attend the County Commission meeting where Comprehensive Plan changes and rezoning regarding the Troyer Brothers mine will be decided.
We can explain how the hearing works, how and when to make your opinion known, and provide background information on the project, should you need it.
Customize the message below. The email below is incomplete because just pressing “send” is not meaningful; whereas a thoughtful, customized, personal message from you to the Commissioners will be given weight. Just saying you “don’t want mines” is not going to get the results you want.
click map to enlarge
Background:
This mine is proposed to be located just west of the proposed Old Corkscrew Plantation Mine and extend from Corkscrew Rd to S.R. 82 (see map). This mine is located well OUTSIDE the limits already set up by Lee County for mining.
The Examiner heard testimony as to whether zoning for this 1,732.75 acre parcel should be changed from agricultural, which the land is currently, to industrial in order for another limerock mine to be operated. The Examiner issued a report recommending adoption. If approved, this will be a HUGE mine operating for many years. It is estimated that hundreds of truck trips per day could be generated.
As recommended by the examiner, the proposed mine is 2000 feet from nearest residence. It is expected to begin mining operations in 2025 and operate for 30 years, after completion Rt 82 improvements. While there is no truck access from the mine to Corkscrew Road, there was no information in HEX report on expected Corkscrew Road traffic.
This proposed project presents significant environmental, hydrological, and transportation concerns to residents in the Corkscrew Road corridor. Possible flooding downstream in Estero as a result of severe hydrological changes in the Density Reduction/Groundwater Resources area (DR/GR) where this mine is located could result. In addition, there is a strong possibility that hundreds of additional heavy duty trucks will use Corkscrew Road to access Interstate 75. This will exacerbate an already overloaded Corkscrew Road congestion and safety problem. Lee County’s own Land Development Code (Ch. 34) states “Mining operations, by their very nature, are INCOMPATIBLE with most other uses.” Mining brings with it blasting, noise, trucks, dust, and more.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has more information on the impact of mining to our environment at NoMineOn82.com.
The Examiner’s recommendation will either be accepted or rejected by our commissioners sitting on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners at this meeting.
Everyone can testify regarding the Comprehensive Plan Changes
Only the 47 people who testified before the Hearing Examiner earlier in the year may testify on the Troyer Brothers Rezoning (DCI2016-00025).
The rezoning is earlier on the agenda than the Comprehensive Plan Changes. It may take some time before your agenda item comes up – please be patient and stay the course.
You don’t have to speak. Just your attendance will have an impact on the Commissioners, one of which is new to the Board.
