Residents tell council proposed Cumberland aggregate mine could bring heavy truck traffic, noise and heavy water use

Several residents used the public-comment period at the July 13 Eden Plus City Council meeting to press the council on land‑use and environmental concerns tied to a proposed Cumberland Aggregate Mine and nearby conservation opportunities.

Julius Stevens, who said he lives in unincorporated King County just outside Enumclaw, said the project could involve “25 to 35 years of removing gravel” and warned of traffic impacts if between roughly 298 and 668 heavy trucks per day use routes through town. He told the council the plant is proposed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and estimated water needs at about 175,000 to 250,000 gallons a day. Stevens said King County opened a public comment period through August 7 and left materials with the city clerk for review.

“Now if you’re looking at throwing approximately 298 to 668 heavy trucks per day into that traffic mode, it’s going to complicate life in Enumclaw,” Stevens said, stressing regional effects on emergency services and road quality.

Linda Stevens urged the council to conserve roughly 990 acres north of Cumberland that include Lizard Mountain and access to the White River. She described the area’s recreational value — hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking — and said residents worry about wells if a large industrial project goes forward. She said she had been told county and state agencies might be interested in acquisition or conservation.

Why it matters: The comments flag traffic, noise, water and emergency‑service impacts for Enumclaw and neighboring communities and ask the city to monitor King County’s review and the county comment period.

Next steps: Speakers urged councilors to review the county materials and follow up before the August 7 King County comment deadline.