Preparing for Utah’s Future: The I-80 South Quarry
In the past decade, Utah’s population has grown at the fastest rate in the country, adding more than half a million residents in the last ten years. With annual per-capita aggregate demand around 10 tons, the rapidly growing Salt Lake City area will require 258 million tons of various aggregates over the next 20 years.
Because long-term importation of aggregates is not a sustainable practice, materials will need to be transported longer distances, increasing air emissions, road wear, and fuel use. This will make Utah housing and infrastructure less affordable. Failing to develop new, local aggregate sources will have serious consequences on the environment and economy.
Why Place a Quarry in Parleys Canyon?
Parleys Canyon is remote and set away from urban areas. The mine is not visible from any structures in Utah.
It has the perfect geology for construction product (foundations, curb, gutters, sidewalk).
It’s located adjacent to an interstate, ensuring minimal traffic disruption.
It is close in proximity to the population end supply.
Parleys Canyon provides the best location for ensuring sustainability to our environment and the lowest cost for end users of this product.
Who Protects the Public’s Health, Safety, and Welfare?
Mining is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States. Mines in Utah aren’t approved unless they meet strict legal requirements that are enforced by federal, state, and local agencies to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Like any other mine, multiple state agencies will enforce existing federal and state laws to protect Utahns. These agencies include:
Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM): Responsible for mine safety and reclamation
Department of Air Quality (DAQ): Ensures that that air emission standards are met
Division of Water Quality (DWQ): Oversees the safety of surface water, ground water, and the management of storm water
Why do we need Quarries?
Population growth is outpacing materials production in all areas of Salt Lake County. If new aggregate sources are not developed locally, materials will need to be transported longer distances, which will increase:
air emissions
road wear
traffic congestion
fuel use
This will impact Utahns through increased housing costs, diminished air quality, and higher taxes. Long-term importation of aggregates is not a sustainable practice.
I-80 South Quarry: Frequently Asked Questions
There has been a lot of misinformation surrounding this project. We are excited to set the record straight.
A Statement from Granite Construction
Granite has a 100-year history of responsibly providing construction materials that are essential to America’s infrastructure. The I-80 South Quarry is necessary to support affordability, quality, and sustainability in Utah’s growing economy. This project will serve Utahns for years to come and Granite is dedicated to operating with industry-leading practices that protect the environment and match what citizens of the ‘best-managed state’ have come to expect in their businesses.
Kyle Larkin, President and CEO of Granite Construction
Granite is America’s Infrastructure Company
Incorporated since 1922 and celebrating its centennial year; Granite is America’s Infrastructure CompanyTM. Granite (NYSE:GVA) is one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the United States, as well as a full-suite provider in the transportation, water infrastructure, and mineral exploration markets. Granite is an industry leader in safety and an award-winning firm in quality and sustainability. Granite is committed to upholding dependable governance structures, reflecting the diversity within all levels of the company, and enhancing our culture of inclusion.
A History of Success in Utah
Deeply embedded in Granite Construction’s 100-year history is a culture of hard work, honesty and getting the job done right. We've completed iconic Utah projects located in Salt Lake County and Summit County over the years we have worked in Utah. We’re dedicated to serving our community and the state as a whole by providing safe and reliable service.
