Judge stays two controversial gravel pit permits

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Aug 19, 2008 at 4:48 AM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 19, 2008 at 4:48 AM MDT

BOZEMAN - A judge has put a hold on two mining permits that were ordered for controversial gravel pits in Gallatin County.

District Judge Jeffery Sherlock stopped short of revoking the mining permits that he and another district judge had ordered even though environmental reviews weren't conducted. Sherlock said the process should not move forward until Montana's supreme court weighs in.

At issue are two Belgrade-area gravel pits planned by Cameron Springs and Spanish Peaks Sand and Gravel. While one state law requires the state DEQ to issue a permit 90 days after an application is received, another requires the agency to complete an environmental assessment before approval. DEQ officials have said they are understaffed and can't complete the assessments within 90 days.

So this spring, Sherlock ordered the department to issue a permit for one of the pits. Another district judge in Helena required the DEQ to issue a permit for the other. Nearby residents asked Sherlock to reconsider his ruling.

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