A group of Southeast King County neighbors is protesting the potential opening of a large gravel mine and asphalt plant just north of Cumberland. The nearly 1,000-acre site, planned across 15 parcels owned by Segale Properties, is intended to replace a nearly mined-out facility in Auburn.

The site, located along the Cumberland Kanasket Road SE, is next to King County Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land near the Green River and also next to Kanasket Palmer State Park. Residential areas begin approximately one-quarter mile away.

If the four-phase project proceeds, it will crush some 1,500 tons of aggregate gravel each hour, with operations expected 18 hours a day during the summer. Concerns include environmental impacts on air and water quality, noise, area wildlife habitat, and local traffic—with between 550 and 660 truck arrivals or departures expected daily. That’s more than 30 trucks an hour. Operations would continue for an expected 30 years, resulting in pits up to 750 deep.

For more information, including links to related permitting documents and how to get involved, visit DefendCumberland.com.