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
In Latest Development, SOAH Disagrees with Citizen Groups on Proposed Vulcan Quarry
SOAH recommends TCEQ issue draft air quality permit to Vulcan Construction Materials for Comal quarry. Citizen groups prepare for next steps.
What We Have Learned About the Air We Breathe
Local scientists perform sampling of air quality, contaminant pollution levels, uncover pollution far above EPA safety thresholds in Comal County, Texas.
Trial Portion of Hearing on Proposed Comal Quarry Concludes
The hearing on the merits against Vulcan Construction Materials has ended. SOAH judge plans to render decision in case by September 3, 2019.
Events & Meetings
Bracken Cave Bat Experience
Wednesday, September 11, 2019: Experience the spiraling emergence of over 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats—the largest bat colony on the planet—as they begin their evening hunt.
Contested Case Hearing
June 10-11, 2019. Contested case hearing on the merits (i.e., courtroom trial) in Austin. All affected parties should be present at this multi-day SOAH hearing critical to the fight against the proposed Vulcan quarry.
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.