The Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission is considering the following:

 An application for a Conditional use permit for Earth Material Extraction of 6.9 Million cubic yards to be mined in 235 acres of which what is now farmland and borders Shorewood Subdivision, which is where my family home and land is located. My disabled father's home is less than 300' away from said potential project.

I am gravely concerned about the imminent destruction of our health, quality of life, and peace of mind.  Noise pollution from generators, trucks, and equipment will become an ever-present feature of our lives if we don't take action. We'll be forced to endure the constant, nerve-wrenching sounds, day in and day out.

Even more concerning, the development of these gravel pits threatens the pristine nature of our environment-the clogging of ditches, culverts and the destruction of habitats, all coupled with reduced oxygen levels. 

Studies show that gravel pits impact groundwater quality, with potential negative implications for human health (Ground Water Canada, 2020). This vital resource - our drinking water - stands at risk.

On top of that, we need to consider the financial impact. This development will lead to depreciation of our property values, an unfair burden that we shouldn't be forced to bear. 

Vibrations from the non-stop activity of will likely degrade underlying surfaces, once again affecting the quality of our homes. All together, these detrimental changes will greatly impact our lives, our environment, and our peace of mind.

Gravel extraction in and near streams can cause many adverse impacts to anadromous fishes and their habitats. (Wasilla Creek, Gooding and Cornelius Lakes are spawning grounds for the Cottonwood Creek watershed). Potential impacts include: direct harm to trust species; loss or degradation of spawning, rearing, resting, and staging habitat; migration delays and/or blockages; channel widening, shallowing, or ponding; loss of channel stability; loss of pool/riffle structure; increased turbidity and sediment transport; increased bank erosion and/or stream bed downcutting; and loss or degradation of riparian habitat. The impacts can extend far beyond the mining site, and stream recovery can take decades. 

Given these significant potential impacts, it is important for us to unite and call for a halt to the development of gravel pits in our area. We must protect our health, our tranquility, and our environment. We ask you to join us in making our voices heard and stopping this destructive course of action. Please, sign this petition.