Martin Marietta Quarry Expands Land Ownership Along Cayce Riverfront
Riverfront land in Cayce has been quietly acquired by a quarry that has been operating in the area for over a century. Martin Marietta Quarry on State Street bought over 220 acres of land in 2020, spending more than $1.8 million, according to county tax records.
This newly acquired land totals to more than 500 acres when added to the quarry’s existing property. Despite the quarry owning the land for more than four years, the Cayce City Council has recently denied the company’s request to rezone the new property for mining operations.
Martin Marietta Quarry and Cayce City Council
Despite the denied request for rezoning, Mayor Elise Partin and various council members expressed that their decision did not reflect negatively on Martin Marietta Quarry. Rather, the council chose to consult with environmental groups about potential concerns over the quarry’s expansion. The Martin Marietta general manager stated the company has no current plans for the newly acquired land.
Environmental Concerns Voiced
Addressing potential expansions of quarry operations, many locals, including environmental organization Congaree Riverkeeper, expressed environmental concerns. The land bought by the quarry sits in close proximity to the Congaree River, residential neighborhoods, tracts of city and state-owned property, and the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve; a state wildlife preserve hosting a multitude of animal habitats.
Bill Stangler, director of Congaree Riverkeeper, suggested in a statement that the land should be permanently protected from mining operations to preserve natural areas.
Uncertain Impact on Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve
Responding to Martin Marietta’s acquisition, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources expressed uncertainty, declaring they were unfamiliar with the quarry’s long-term plans or how it could impact the adjacent Congaree Creek Preserve.
Operating with Environmental Regulations
Concerning environmental regulations, the quarry claims that they operate with responsibility, minimizing their impact on the environment. With regard to potential expansions and its effect on the community, the company assured that it complies with all state and federal environmental regulations.
Future of the Quarry
Even though a decommissioning timeline for the Cayce quarry is yet to be established, the company plans for the site to serve other uses at the end of its mining life. The quarry site could be repurposed as housing, areas of public land, or a water feature to be utilized for recreation, flood control, or drinking water.
Martin Marietta asserts that it will collaborate with Cayce officials to create plans for the site. The company foresees the community enjoying the area in the future once the mining operations cease.
