New Property Acquired by Cayce Martin Marietta Quarry
In the vicinity of Cayce riverfront, Martin Marietta Quarry, which has stood ground for over a century, has silently procured hundreds of acres of land. As per county tax records, the company purchased more than 220 acres for over $1.8 million in 2020. This acquisition established a connection with their existing 300-acre site which currently houses their quarry operation. However, the potential utilization of this new land remains ambiguous.
Denied Request for Mining Operations
In April, the Cayce City Council unanimously declined a request to revise the zoning of the newly owned property to accommodate mining operations. Mayor Elise Partin and council members asserted that the verdict does not reflect negatively on the quarry. An abundance of concerns about potential expansion raised by local environmental organizations led to the council and city staff’s consultation.
No Concrete Plans for Development
Scott Gibbes, Martin Marietta’s general manager for the company’s South Carolina quarries, stated that the company had no concrete plans for the land at the moment. He further added that it is standard procedure for the company to acquire land near its operations for a multitude of reasons.
Local Concerns Over Environmental Impacts
Environmental concerns prompted local environmental organization, Congaree Riverkeeper, along with several local residents, to take a stand against the proposed zoning amendment and quarry expansion. The recently acquired land, which lies in close proximity to the Congaree River, residential neighborhoods, areas of city and state-owned property, along with the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve, has been a topic of focus in the discussion.
Company’s Commitment to Environment
Martin Marietta, which operates quarries across the U.S., in Nova Scotia, and the Bahamas, has affirmed its commitment to utilize the earth’s resources responsibly while minimizing environmental impact. Gibbes emphasized that the company understands the environmental concerns and fully abides by state and federal environmental regulations.
Plans for the Future
According to Gibbes, Martin Marietta has no timeline set for the decommissioning of the Cayce quarry at the moment. However, potential reuses for the quarry site after the mine ceases operation could include housing, public lands, or a water feature for flood control, recreation, or drinking water. The company plans to collaborate with Cayce officials to finalize the future plans for the site.
