North Aurora approves quarry expansion
North Aurora is letting Lafarge Conco mine in a ComEd right of way on its eastern edge, two years after denying a similar request.
The village board Monday voted to annex the right of way along the northern and eastern edges of the Lafarge Conco North mine along Route 25.
Subterranean mining will not be allowed on the northern portion of the easement, and will also be prohibited along the northern most part of the eastern leg, within 1,000 feet of the Chesterfield residential subdivision.
The annexation was approved 5-0, with two trustees absent and village President Dale Berman voting, because a supermajority was required for approval.
The mining for dolomite happens about 250 feet below the surface.
In November 2011, the board refused to give Lafarge permission to mine under the northernmost ComEd right of way because there was a 6-inch natural gas line in the right of way. Nicor officials had said the mine could operate underneath the line, as long as seismic monitors were installed. But Chesterfield residents said they worried about vibrations from the mining breaking the pipe and causing an explosion.
To the north is the Geneva Construction Co. asphalt plant, to the east are two houses and vacant land, to the south is Interstate 88 and to the west is the meatpacking Aurora Packing Co.
Village officials estimate the 90-acre quarry has been mined at least 60 years, and the company expects it could continue mining there for another 40 years. The annexation adds 21 acres.