The owner of 421 Sand Mine, LLC is requesting a special-use permit to expand sand mining operations near the border of New Hanover and Pender counties. The roughly 144-acre site is located just off U.S. 421 in New Hanover County and sits next to an existing sand mine.
Registered to Allen Jefferson Earp, 421 Sand Mine, LLC’s plan includes a 50-foot-wide buffer around the perimeter of the 144-acre mine and an additional 25-foot vegetative buffer along U.S. 421 and the northern property line. Such high intensity mines and quarries in this district are allowed as long as it’s granted the approval of an Intensive Industry Special Use Permit. Ring Hammer Crusher
The project proposes full access onto U.S. 421 through the existing driveway access at the neighboring 421 Sand Mine.
Given the way the property is currently zoned, it has been estimated that the site generates approximately 119 morning peak hour trips and 119 afternoon and evening peak hour trips.
The applicant has found that estimates for the proposed use would decrease the estimated number of peak hour trips by 75 in the morning and 112 in the afternoon and evening. This estimate results in approximately 44 morning trips and seven afternoon and evening peak hour trips.
According to the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, the site is classified as a Commerce Zone, which focuses on providing areas for employment and production hubs, predominately composed of light and heavy industrial uses.
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According to the permit application, 421 Sand Mine, LLC already operates a sand mine on an adjacent parcel for clients that include New Hanover County, the city of Wilmington, the town of Leland, Topsail Beach, various waste treatment plants, and the majority of concrete and asphalt plants in New Hanover and Brunswick counties.
The reason for the request is because it is probable that mining sand from the existing site will be completely exhausted within a few months, jeopardizing the supply of sand for each of the above agencies. The applicant claims that beach nourishment, wastewater treatment and infrastructure needs for the area would be at risk.
“The plan is to simply expand the existing sand mine on the adjacent property to the subject property, and the project will be operated by the same group and proceed in accordance with the mining procedures that have long been in operation on the adjacent tract,” wrote the applicant in the request.
Grader The New Hanover County Planning Board is expected to consider the special-use permit request at its February meeting.