Raging River Conservation Group
Posted on August 28, 2017

Quarry Update - August 28, 2017

Blasting to Resume

The temporary ban on quarry blasting has been lifted and a blast is anticipated this afternoon, August 28th. Randy Sandin from the Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER) had requested a geotechnical evaluation be completed after the last blast on July 27, 2017.

Per Randy Sandin, DPER Product Line Manager:
"'One of DPER's engineering geologists reviewed the site and the geotechnical evaluation and he concurs with the study results and the geotechnical engineer's recommendations. As a result, I informed the quarry yesterday that blasting activities were allowed to resume provided the recommendations of the geotechnical engineer are implemented, subject to the following:

  • No blasting will be allowed along the eastern portion of the quarry until the geotechnical recommendations for regrading/removing oversteepened slopes, removing the loose/unstable debris above/below the 300 foot elevation and revegetating/stabilizing impacted areas have been completed. Prior to commencing work in that area, we are requiring a detailed plan prepared or approved by the geotechnical engineer that details how this work will be accomplished with specific recommendations for short and long term stabilization and revegetation/stabilization, and including specific recommendations for avoiding/minimizing vegetation removal below elevation 300;
  • The two overhanging logs that protrude over the blast debris are removed; and
  • A blasting plan is prepared that incorporates the recommendations of the geotechnical engineer that will not destabilize the slope to the east or result in further rock/debris falls onto the slope above the Raging River.

I also informed the quarry operators that if there was a recurrence of the July 27, 2017 rock/debris fall, or similar incident, resulting from future blasting activities, the mining plan for this quarry may need to be further modified. I was informed this morning that there is a blast planned for next Monday but not in the vicinity of the slope above the Raging River."

Download complete Geotechnical Report

YOUR COMPLAINTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

What you can do next:

  • Keep filing those complaints with DPER (and copy RRCG). Try to be as detailed and accurate as possible. Time stamped photos and videos of the river are great!
  • File complaints with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency at the time of dust occurrence if possible (during blasting) or anytime you see quarry activities that produce dust.
  • Puget Sound Clean Air WILL investigate if they are in the area at the time of a complaint. They will also investigate if they see patterns of complaints.
  • Provide tangible evidence.
  • Rocks on the road? Major traffic obstruction - call 911, minor issue, call the sheriff: 206-296-3311
  • Keep track of updates by visiting our website (RagingRiverCG.org).

How to file a complaint with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (by phone or internet):

  • Call 1.800.552.3565
  • Click here for the Dust Nuisance Complaint Form.
  • Click here to read more about filing a complaint with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

Thank you!
Raging River Conservation Group

Additional information:

Please note the ANSWER from DPER regarding property issues:
24._The quarry operator shall be responsible for any damage to nearby properties, including domestic water supply wells, attributable to blasting on the subject property. Claims for any such damage shall be the responsibility of the affected property owner and the quarry operator to handle directly between themselves, but a failure of the quarry operator to respond in good faith to any such claim may be cause for denial of future grading permits, or prohibition or restriction upon future blasting.

The quarry mailing address is:
Raging River Quarry, LLC
3132 NE Harrison St.
Issaquah, WA 98029