This is in reply to Michael E. McGinley’s letter (“Freight railroad is best alternative,” Our Readers’ Views, Nov. 21). There is no quarry at Chelatchie Bluffs at present and a quarry should not be located there because of environmental impacts. The rock from this location is angular and will not be used in concrete. Concrete aggregate is round and produces a higher strength. This is based on my experience as a civil engineer/geologist for over 30 years.
The railroad has not been used to move freight from Chelatchie in several decades, so is in need of significant upgrades. This will increase the cost of aggregate. Owner/operators of gravel pits and quarries in Clark County have not met industry standards. They have typically been in violation of best management practices and county enforcement is basically nonexistent. The Ridgefield Pits is a good example of both.
The best aggregate alternative for Clark County is barging aggregate down the Columbia River from sites near the The Dalles, Ore. Aggregate from these locations can be used for all types of construction. It would provide much-needed income for the Yakama Nation. County council supports this project at high impacts to the environment and local residents.
