Shared Concerns
Our mission is rooted in the comprehensive understanding of both our internal concerns and those shared by our neighbors. To accomplish this, we spent countless hours in conversation and engaged in meaningful discussions with TMC Inc. This approach has helped us find solutions grounded in honesty, strategy, and logic. As we all hold a deep appreciation for the gift of living together in this community, our earnest desire is to ensure that this entire process is carried out with minimal disruption, utmost safety, and the highest possible benefit to all.
This journey has been an enriching experience, and we are immensely grateful for the collaboration with our community and TMC Inc., whose understanding and adaptability have been invaluable in shaping the vision of a gravel pit and reclamation that will not merely exist, but flourish, enhancing Gallatin Gateway in countless ways.
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Much like you, we are deeply committed to wildlife and biodiversity preservation.
Wildlife
Our property spans a vast area, with 95% of it dedicated to soil building grazing practices. These habits not only support local biodiversity but also contribute significantly to creating and maintaining pristine wildlife habitats. By adopting such methods, we ensure that our land serves as a thriving ecosystem, benefiting our neighbors, the environment, and wildlife.
However, there’s a specific area of opportunity: the 130 acres that house our cultivated land. We aim to start with a gravel pit on this section of land and then implement a comprehensive reclamation project. The project aims to align these 130 acres with methods we use on the rest of the property. Through this initiative, we strive to achieve a holistic approach to consistent stewardship across our entire landholding.
The reclamation holds the potential to yield substantial ecological fruit, notably benefiting the soil quality, fostering the growth of healthy flora, supporting various insect species, and enhancing the habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, encompassing notable species such as elk, deer, and migratory birds. This forward thinking approach not only promises to enrich the biodiversity of the region but also enriches the surrounding community, ensuring enduring benefits and opportunities that will resonate for generations to come.
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Water pollution poses a critical challenge. We can protect the quality of wells, aquifers, and river water by practicing safe and responsible mining practices.
Water Pollution
The concerns shared by our neighbors and us regarding water pollution are significant. Highlighting the potential effects of a gravel pit on local wells, the aquifer, and the Gallatin River, all vital water sources for the community and the surrounding environment.
The introduction of a gravel pit on the property presents a promising solution to this pressing issue. The development will have an immediate and positive impact on water health by eliminating pollutants. The gravel pit will serve as a barrier, preventing potential contamination of water sources. This change is a significant step towards ensuring the purity and safety of the water in the area.
Furthermore, our long-term vision for reclamation involves transforming the current cultivated land into a massive filtration system for the groundwater and the Gallatin River. Through this reclamation process, the land will blossom into a natural filter, cleansing the water as it passes through. This transition will enhance the quality of the water and reduce the amount of water that is inefficiently used, benefiting the entire ecosystem and ensuring the health and wellbeing of the community and local wildlife.
Over the past 30+ years TMC Inc. has established an impeccable record in environmental stewardship, particularly in its efforts to contain water pollution and reclaim land. This commitment has resulted in a spotless track record, where their initiatives have consistently benefited water quality. Through diligent practices and innovative approaches, TMC Inc. has successfully transformed impacted lands into areas that not only mitigate water pollution but also actively enhance the health of aquatic ecosystems. Their efforts stand as a testament to their dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible land management.
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Highway 191 is a dangerous section of road and we all have valid concerns for ourselves and loved ones who travel it. Learn how TMC is addressing this issue in ways that will make road safety better for our community.
Road Safety
The introduction of a gravel pit by TMC Inc. in the Gallatin Valley has raised concerns among us all, particularly regarding the impact it may have on the safety of Highway 191. This stretch of road is known for being heavily trafficked and perilous, prompting worries about how the additional gravel pit traffic could exacerbate these issues. Recognizing these concerns, TMC Inc. is proactively taking steps to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of all road users.
To address these safety concerns, TMC Inc. is making significant investments to improve the infrastructure along Highway 191. These enhancements include the construction of an acceleration lane and a turn lane, which are designed to regulate traffic flow and reduce overall speed. This initiative aims to create safer conditions for vehicles entering and exiting the highway. The creation of these lanes will provide gaps in traffic, allowing neighbors safer opportunities to merge onto the road. Additionally, the trucks from the gravel pit will adhere to a reduced speed limit of 60 mph, compared to the standard 70 mph for other vehicles, further contributing to the overall safety of the highway.
The strategic location of the gravel pit also brings additional safety benefits. With the pit being situated closer to the required destinations, the number of trucks needed will be reduced. This reduction means fewer trucks will travel fewer miles on Jackrabbit Lane and the northern portion of Highway 191 near the Gallatin Gateway community center, thereby decreasing the overall traffic load in these areas. Furthermore, TMC Inc. has a commendable track record in road safety, which reinforces the company’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing safe travel conditions. Collectively, these measures and TMC Inc.’s history of responsible operations demonstrate a tangible commitment to improving road safety in the Gallatin Valley.
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Gravel pits can potentially disrupt tranquility with their noise and none of us want that. Uncover the steps we are implementing to significantly lessen this noise pollution, and how our forward-thinking reclamation plans promise a quieter future.
Noise
The serene and tranquil environment of Gallatin Gateway is one of its most cherished attributes. However, this peace is increasingly being disrupted by external noise sources, particularly from Highway 191. The highway’s proximity to the community has led to a noticeable increase in noise levels, impacting the quality of life for residents. With the proposed addition of a gravel pit by TMC Inc., there are growing concerns among us all about the potential escalation of noise pollution in this pristine area.
Understanding these concerns, TMC Inc. is proactively implementing a series of strategies to mitigate noise from the gravel pit operations. First and foremost, they have set strict hours of operation, limiting work to between 7 AM and 5 PM, five days a week. This schedule is designed to minimize noise disruption during early mornings, evenings, and weekends, thereby reducing the impact on the community’s daily life. Such controlled operating hours ensure that the noise levels are confined to standard business hours, when most residents are away from their homes.
In addition to restricted operation times, TMC Inc. is also investing in physical measures to lessen noise. High berms are being constructed around the perimeter of the property. These earthen barriers are not only effective in absorbing and blocking sound from the mine and Highway 191, but also blend with the natural landscape, maintaining the area’s aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, TMC Inc. is strategically placing the rock crusher, a source of operational noise, at a location furthest from neighboring residences. This careful placement ensures that the noise generated is as distant as possible from the neighbors, further reducing its impact. Together, these steps demonstrate our commitment to protecting the tranquility of Gallatin Gateway while responsibly managing their operations.
Furthermore, a well-planned reclamation strategy is poised to yield an environment conducive to both wildlife and the senses, ultimately resulting in a significant reduction in ambient noise levels, enhanced panoramic views, and an overall enrichment of the Gallatin Gateway region.
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Prioritizing community health is at the forefront of our vision. We are taking proactive measures to effectively control dust and tackle health concerns, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for our community.
Dust and Health
Gravel pits, while essential for various construction needs, often raise concerns regarding dust and potential health risks for those residing nearby. Dust generation is a common issue associated with gravel pits, leading to apprehensions for us all about air quality and respiratory health in neighboring areas. Acknowledging these valid concerns, TMC Inc. has implemented a proactive approach to control and minimize dust emissions from their gravel pit operations.
To effectively manage dust creation, TMC Inc. is utilizing water as a primary control measure. By regularly applying water to the gravel pit areas, the company is able to significantly reduce the amount of airborne dust. This method is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly, ensuring that the surrounding air quality remains within safe and healthy limits. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Quality has assessed that the rocks to be crushed at the site do not contain harmful silica dust. This finding helps alleviate concerns about the potential health risks associated with the gravel pit.
Furthermore, TMC Inc.’s planned reclamation efforts for the site promise to enhance the environmental and health benefits. We aim to create an environment that significantly improves the lives of those living on, around, or visiting the area. This transformation not only addresses the immediate concerns related to dust and air quality but also contributes to a longer-term positive impact on the overall health of the environment.
Ultimately, the combination of dust control measures, the absence of harmful silica in the crushed rocks, and the reclamation of the site reflects our commitment to ensuring a healthy environment for the neighboring community. These efforts showcase our dedication to responsible and sustainable operations, prioritizing both public health and the environment.
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In the Gallatin Valley, property values have soared to unprecedented levels. We invite you to discover how our strategic reclamation efforts are poised to enhance future property values, benefiting our neighbors and the community.
Property Values
The introduction of a gravel pit by TMC Inc. in the neighborhood has prompted some residents to worry about its potential impact on their property values. Even though we don’t share this concern personally, it is understandable, especially considering that property values in the area are currently at an all-time high. Residents are naturally apprehensive about anything that could disrupt this positive trend. It is important to acknowledge that while real estate investments generally appreciate over time, there is no absolute guarantee of continual growth. External factors, such as the development of new industrial or commercial sites, can influence market perceptions and, by extension, property values.
In the short term, these concerns about the gravel pit negatively affecting property values seam valid. The initial phases of construction and operation might lead to some apprehension among potential buyers or investors in the area, given the usual associations with gravel pits. However, it’s crucial to consider the longer-term perspective of this development. We have a comprehensive plan for the reclamation of the 130-acre gravel pit site in a stepped approach once each quadrant’s operational lifespan concludes.
This reclamation process is envisioned to transform the area into an aesthetically pleasing and more environmentally beneficial landscape. Such a transformation is likely to have a positive impact on the surrounding property values. The creation of a green, well-maintained area can enhance the attractiveness of the neighborhood, making it more appealing to potential buyers and investors. Moreover, the environmental improvements brought about by the reclamation can serve as a selling point, emphasizing the community’s commitment to sustainability and natural beauty.
In conclusion, while the immediate concerns regarding the impact of the gravel pit on property values are understandable, it’s important to consider the long-term vision of the project. The transformation of the site into a beautiful, eco-friendly space post-reclamation holds the potential to not just alleviate these concerns but also contribute to an increase in property values over time. This future-focused approach underlines the importance of balancing short-term impacts with long-term community and environmental benefits.
Our experience has shown that regardless of how we approach various concerns, the opinions of some in the community appear to be firmly established. They seem resistant to engagement, a thorough examination of the existing issues, the pursuit of solutions, or recognizing the commendable track record of TMC Inc. and the Black Ranch. Furthermore, these opponents consistently fail to provide specific evidence to substantiate their claims, seemingly because they lack such evidence to support allegations. We understand that this process requires a great deal of dedication and trust and simply ask that we all approach concerns with the willingness to learn and grow together.
More Concerns?
If there’s a concern of yours that we haven’t addressed or thought of, please let us know. We are eager to hear from you and are committed to addressing any issues or questions you may have. Your input is valuable to us, and we want to ensure that all your concerns are heard and sincerely considered.