On Tuesday, November 12, Draper City Council voted unanimously to sign a settlement agreement with Geneva Rock that preserves and protects Steep Mountain. The agreement outlines the areas that Geneva Rock will expand mining operations, including the removal of the high wall and creating future developmental space for housing, commercial and recreational use.
The main details of the agreement include the following:
- Geneva Rock’s commitment to leave Steep Mountain intact.
- Draper’s commitment to not challenge Geneva Rock’s declaration of Vested Mining Use.
- Geneva Rock’s commitment to grade designated areas to development standards, which includes removing the high wall.
- Changes to law with the Vested Mining Use statute (Utah Code § 17-41-101 and -501 et seq.) shall not affect the efficacy or validity of this agreement.
The agreement involves approximately 141 acres within Draper City boundaries that are owned by Geneva Rock. As part of this agreement, Geneva Rock will preserve roughly 66 acres of this land, which is on both the north and south faces of Steep Mountain.
Geneva Rock provided the following statement after the agreement was approved by the city council:
“Both parties came together to work out this agreement, recognizing the opportunity to move forward to build a better community. This agreement is a win for Draper City, Geneva Rock and the greater economic good, as it protects Steep Mountain and provides material for critical infrastructure close to both Utah and Salt Lake counties. Additionally, the agreement allows Geneva Rock to continue reclamation, which includes future opportunities for housing, commercial development, and recreational use that otherwise would not be possible.”