Scott Swanson
Of The New Era
The operators of a gravel mine near Sweet Home have been recognized by the state for going “way above industry standards” to be neighborly and operate a safe quarry.
Cal and Roger Emmert, operators of the Weber Quarry on Berlin Road, about three-quarters of a mile from the junction of Pleasant Valley Road, received the Good Neighbor Award 2004.
Cal Emmert, who took over the quarry in 1992, was recognized for his efforts to “meet and exceed the state reqruiements in operating a rock quarry, working with adjacent property owners to address their concerns, and allowing geology field trips to view a distinctive geologic feature,” according to officials of the state Department of Geology, which regulates mining in Oregon and which presents the awards.
Ben Mundie, an inspector for the department, was at the quarry during an exposives discharge on Sept. 9, which was used to collapse rock formations so they can be converted to gravel.
“We’re trying to recognize these people for operating a quarry above and beyond what it takes to be good neighbors,” Mundie said.
Beginning in 1996, according to the state, some neighbors of the quarry have complained at times about the use of explosives there, particularly voicing concerns about the mine’s impacts on nearby wells.
In the announcement of the award, state officials noted that the Emmerts had their drilling and blasting contractor submit detailed blasting plans that were sent to all concerned parties. Well logs and production data was compiled for the three closest wells. A geophysical consultant was hired to monitor production blasts on and off-site. All monitoring results were released to the neighbors.
“The monitoring report indicated blasting at the Weber Quarry did not exceed industry accepted standards and does not pose a risk to the adjacent properties,” the announcement stated. “Mr. (Cal) Emmert has opened his operation to review by all parties to insure any and all concerns are addressed.”
State officials also noted that the Emmerts have allowed geology professors from Oregon State University to bring students to inspect “a unique deposit of alluvial gravels sandwiched between basalt flows.”
Mundie said the Weber operation has six monitors located around the quarry to record the ground movement caused by the explosives ? an “exceptional” number for such a mine. The Emmerts also use a video camera on a tripod that visually record each explosion.
“If there’s a concern, you can look at the printouts,” he said of the monitors. “It’s not like someone can just make it up.”
“This is the most monitored quarry in the state,” said Ken Weber, owner of the property.
The quarry began operating in 1942, Weber said. The first houses in the area were built in the early 1970s. The mine has operated intermittently over the years.
“The first people who built areound here had no problem with the mine,” he said.
County Commissioner John Lindsey, who was present at the Sept. 9 blast, said the quarry is the most monitored in the county as well.
“I think they take a lot of care for what they’re doing here,” he said.