A controversial 990-acre gravel mine proposed outside Enumclaw, Washington, has been determined to have a significant impact on the local environment, prompting a review of its potential effects. The mine, which would be operated by Segale Properties LLC, has been a focal point of local environmental resistance since it was first proposed in 2024.
The Mine’s Potential Impact
Opponents of the mine are concerned that it will affect the Green River via runoff, as well as impact the rural lifestyle of Cumberland’s residents, make roads unsafe, and deteriorate them. They also worry that their access to Lizard Mountain will be cut off. The mine would be split into four sections, surrounding a Department of Natural Resources property that Segale does not own but is accessed by locals for recreation.
Segale has said that it will not mine the entire area at once, but in smaller sections over time, and will start the reforestation process of the previous section of the mine when they move to another area. The company claims that noise will be mitigated by ensuring all mining happens behind forest buffers and that mining activity will occur at least a quarter mile from any residents.
A 30-day comment period is open until August 7, and written comments can be mailed or emailed to the county. The Determination of Significance now ends the county’s State Environmental Policy Act Review, and the Segale project must now go through the Environment Impact Statement process.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
