Barlow’s Rockydale pond permitted
Photos by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)
The purview of Josephine County commissioners in land-use decisions seems to be at the center of a controversy concerning a Barlow Sand & Gravel LLC operation off Rockydale Road in rural Cave Junction.
Barlow, of Grants Pass, was contracted to dig an approximate 4.5-acre pond on land owned by Little Elm Ranch just off Rockydale. The pond is to be an irrigation resource for an alfalfa-growing operation currently irrigated with water from the east fork of Illinois River.
An agricultural permit was issued to Barlow by county planner Mike Snider, but the volume of material to be removed from the site required that the state issue a mining permit. If material of more than 5,000 cubic yards is being removed, the state classifies the operation as a mine. Barlow obtained a mining permit as well, and began digging the pond two months ago.
During the county commission meeting Wednesday, Oct. 3 in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley resident Angel Navarro brought the situation to the attention of the commissioners. He stated that because the state required a mining permit for the operation, the county should be obliged to follow suit and require what is termed a conditional permit. A conditional permit is a much more involved process that can cost thousands of dollars.
During the Wednesday, Oct. 10 meeting of the commissioners, Vice Chairman Dave Toler was asked what had been done concerning Navarro’s complaint. He stated that a meeting had taken place with the commissioners, Snider, and Bill Peterson, an executive of Barlow all present to discuss the situation.
He did not elaborate on what was discussed, but indicated that it was a more complex issue than was immediately apparent.
In a later conversation with Peterson, Illinois Valley News was told that the meeting occurred on Sept. 20 and that he had been assured that all requirements had been met to continue the operation. He added that the county’s role was in the land-use issue and that the pond was being dug for agricultural reasons, and thus required only the less-stringent agricultural permit.
Some Rockydale residents have been upset by the number of trucks traveling on the road; (a Barlow spokesperson stated that three trucks each are making approximately 15 round-trips daily), and neighbors contend that the operation is in fact a mining operation.
There have also been unsubstantiated allegations of threats and intimidation attempts on both sides of the issue.
A recent trip to the site by I.V. News seems to substantiate Barlow’s claim that it is only digging a large pond adjacent to an alfalfa field. (see photo). But Toler said that another planning meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at which time he says he will have questions for Snider.
This story has been amended for clarity. The original version can be found here.
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