Levy County Commissioners are faced with a tough decision tonight. In a special exception hearing that started at 6:30, the proposed mining operation for the southern part of Levy County called Tarmac, gave it's proposal to the board. The Tarmac King Road Mine has been working seven years towards getting the board's approval. They're requesting to dig Limestone on 4,751 acres of Levy County land in an environmentally sensitive area.
To address the public's concern regarding environmental issues, Tarmac brought a panel of experts to present data they say proves the mining will not harm the sensitive areas. Tonight's heated hearing brought a sea of residents into the courtroom
If County Commissioners approve the special exception permit, Tarmac will still have to get an excavation and fill permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. If approved, the project will last 100 years, mining 25 acres per year.