Proposed Parleys Canyon Mine Raises Air Quality Concerns

Residents and officials voice opposition to new sand and gravel operation near Salt Lake City

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A proposed 20-acre limestone quarry in Parleys Canyon near Salt Lake City has sparked widespread community opposition due to concerns over air pollution, impacts on the local environment and recreation area, and the erosion of Salt Lake County's authority to regulate land use. Thousands of residents have signed petitions against the project, and local officials have stated they will not issue a conditional use permit. The Utah Department of Air Quality is holding a public hearing to evaluate the proposal's potential harmful impacts.

Why it matters

Air quality in the Salt Lake Valley has long been a major concern, with debates over pollution sources like industries, vehicle emissions, and surrounding mining operations. This proposed quarry in Parleys Canyon, a scenic gateway to the valley, threatens to exacerbate existing air quality issues and undermine local efforts to protect public health and the environment.

The details

Granite Construction and Tree Farm, LLC have proposed building the I-80 South Quarry on a 634-acre parcel of land near Salt Lake City. The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining has already approved a permit for a 20-acre limestone quarry on the site. Residents and officials have raised numerous concerns, including increased fugitive dust and air pollution, damage to the Grandeur Peak recreation area, stress on the water supply, and attempts to limit Salt Lake County's authority to regulate land use. Despite thousands of public comments, petitions, and legal challenges, the developers appear to be pursuing a piecemeal strategy to obtain approvals.

  • The proposed quarry was first announced in November 2021.
  • The Utah Department of Air Quality is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Millcreek City Hall.
  • A 2022 lawsuit challenging Salt Lake County's land use authority remains pending, with a decision delayed until after the 2026 legislative session.

The players

Granite Construction

A construction materials company that has proposed building the I-80 South Quarry in Parleys Canyon.

Tree Farm, LLC

A real estate development company that owns the 634-acre parcel of land where the proposed quarry would be located.

Salt Lake County

Local officials have stated they will not issue a conditional use permit for the proposed quarry.

Utah Department of Air Quality (DAQ)

The state agency responsible for evaluating and approving the proposed quarry's potential impacts on air quality.

Andrew Smith

A 35-year resident of Parleys Canyon who has experienced the impacts of existing mining operations and is opposing the new proposed quarry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Air pollution is not theoretical when you live with it.”

— Andrew Smith, Parleys Canyon resident (deseret.com)

“The majority of complaints received by the DAQ are from construction projects and aggregate pits.”

— Department of Air Quality (deseret.com)

“Salt Lake County officials have publicly stated they will not issue a conditional use permit for this proposed mine.”

— Salt Lake County officials (deseret.com)

What’s next

The Utah Department of Air Quality is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Millcreek City Hall to gather input on the proposed quarry's potential impacts.

The takeaway

This proposed quarry in Parleys Canyon represents a critical moment in the ongoing battle to protect the air quality and environment of the Salt Lake Valley. The community's strong opposition and the regulatory hurdles faced by the developers highlight the importance of transparency, rigorous oversight, and the courage to prioritize public health and well-being over industrial interests.