Plans for LaPorte pit and concrete batch plant up for review

Loveland Ready-Mix Concrete, Inc. has submitted an application to the Larimer County Planning Department asking a special review to allow them to conduct open mining of sand and gravel, on-site material processing and to operate a concrete batch plant. Proposed location is on 123 acres of land on the north side of County Road 54G east of Kintzley Plaza and north of the Plantorium.

Senior planner Rob Helmick has been assigned to the review. “It is likely to be controversial,” Helmick said. “There are some houses near the property that probably won’t welcome the plant.”

A Sketch Plan Project Description describes in detail the company’s plan including how the project will meet Larimer Country review criteria, existing conditions, proposed operations and existing utility and drainage infrastructure. It also summarizes proposed property improvements, describes proposed access to the project, gives general traffic information and addresses any anticipated appeals to a Land Use Code standard.

The code lists six criteria that must be met. They include compatibility with neighborhood uses, consistency with the LaPorte Area Plan, compliance with applicable requirements of the code, no substantial adverse impact, consideration of referral agency recommendations and compliance with additional criteria listed in Section 4.3 of the Land Use Code.

Two residential structures are located on the property but most of the land is currently being used to grow hay. The project is located over and in the Cache la Poudre River alluvium where the meandering river system has deposited sands and gravel eroded from the mountains. It is outside the 100-year flood plain.

After mining ceases in approximately 10 years, Loveland Ready Mix plans to continue batch plant operations. The company may seek a use by special review permit for removal of sand and gravel resources from the former Stegner property south of CR54 and east of Taft Hill Road, now owned by Loveland Ready Mix. The company plans to sell recycled/crushed concrete from waste concrete generated on site in addition to ready mix concrete.

Thirty-five employees are anticipated. No retail sales will takes place at the plant. There will be several buildings and parking spaces for employees as well as stockpiles, ponds, batch plant and office. Fourteen concrete mixer trucks will be based on site. Eight-foot berms will provide screening for adjacent residential properties. A traffic study will assess impacts associated with the project.

Loveland Ready Mix will work with Larimer County Engineering Department to determine the best location for site access.

A neighborhood meeting is planned to discuss the project and is likely to take place in mid-February. Following the meeting, the application will be reviewed at a public hearing and then sent to county planners and Larimer County Commissioners for review. Anyone with questions or comments may contact Rob Helmick at 970-498-7682 or rhelmick@larimer.org.