Where Is the Planned Vulcan Comal Quarry?
Vulcan Materials plans to set up a 1500-acre open-pit limestone quarry in a residential area of central Comal County, located between Bulverde, Spring Branch, Garden Ridge, and New Braunfels.
Carcinogenic Dust
All gravel quarries create and emit dust particles strongly associated with health problems such as lung cancer,1 heart disease,2 stroke,3 and reproductive issues.4 The finest particles are invisible and affect residents living miles away from the actual quarry site.
Truck Traffic
With the additional gravel-hauling traffic, expect to see an estimated 444 truck loads per hour in the surrounding area. The increased truck traffic will make our roads more dangerous and lengthen travel times. Roadways most impacted will be SH 46, FM 3009, FM 1863, and Beck Road.
Property Values
According to studies, properties within a five-mile radius of a new quarry (map above) lose up to 20 percent of their market value.5,6 Over 12,000 people live in the surrounding area. Property valuation losses are estimated at over $100 million.
Water Resources
The Vulcan quarry will affect local wells, water levels, and water quality. Impact will come from blasting, destruction of caves, increased storm runoff, and hazardous chemicals entering the water supply.
News Updates & Info
Action Alert: HB 3798 Needs Our Support!
HB 3798 needs our support to better regulate aggregate quarries and protect our natural resources. Texas House Environmental Regulation Committee hearing on April 17, 2019.
Two Great Bills Need Our Support: HB 509 and HB 2871
We strongly support HB 509 and HB 2871 to better regulate aggregate mining. Texas House Energy Resources Committee hearing on April 8, 2019.
Support Legislation in House Environmental Regulation Committee
What you can do to help pass good legislation filed in the Texas House: Contact Environmental Regulation Committee Chair J. M. Lozano and request a committee hearing on four bills.
Events & Meetings
Love Your Honey, Love Your Hill Country Dinner & Auction
Friday, March 29, 2019: Celebrate your love for your honey and Hill Country! Inaugural fundraising dinner and auction at Castle Avalon. Great food, libations, music, silent and live auctions.
SOAH Preliminary Hearing
Wednesday, March 6: SOAH Preliminary Hearing on the air quality permit for the proposed Vulcan quarry in Comal County. To be an affected party, you must attend this hearing in New Braunfels.
Community Education re SOAH Preliminary Hearing
Wednesday, January 30: Educational meeting to prepare residents for upcoming SOAH preliminary hearing on the proposed Vulcan quarry in Comal County.