Residents urge council to weigh Cumberland aggregate-mine impacts on traffic, noise and water

Several residents used the public-comment period on July 13 to urge the Eden Plus City Council to take note of a proposed Cumberland Aggregate Mine and asphalt plant and its potential regional impacts.

Julius Stevens, who lives in unincorporated King County near Enumclaw, said the King County project documents (copies left with the city clerk) indicate the mine could operate for 25 to 35 years and generate an estimated 298 to 668 heavy-truck trips per day through nearby corridors. He said the operation was proposed as a 24-hour, seven‑day enterprise and that water demands could be "175,000 to 250,000 gallons a day," which raises concerns for private wells and emergency-services capacity. Stevens urged residents and the council to review King County’s materials and noted the county is accepting comments through Aug. 7.

Linda Stevens also urged protection of roughly 990 acres north of Cumberland (Lizard Mountain area), describing recreational uses and expressing concern about well-water impacts if a large project proceeds; she said county and state officials have indicated possible interest in land preservation.

Council members did not take action on these matters at the meeting but were given county materials; city staff noted the appropriate review channels are with King County and that public comments to the county remain open.