Residents urge council to scrutinize proposed Cumberland aggregate mine and to protect Lizard Mountain acreage

Several residents used the council’s public‑comment period on July 13 to press the city and county to pay attention to two connected land‑use concerns: a long‑term aggregate mine and asphalt‑plant proposal near Cumberland and a nearby conservation opportunity around Lizard Mountain.

Julius Stevens, who identified himself as a resident of unincorporated King County outside Enumclaw, said the Cumberland proposal could involve 25 to 35 years of gravel removal and warned of traffic and noise impacts extending through Enumclaw and neighboring jurisdictions. Stevens noted King County’s public‑comment period is open through Aug. 7 and left material with the city clerk for council review. He also cited an estimated industrial water demand of "175,000 to 250,000 gallons a day."

Linda Stevens described roughly 990 acres north of Cumberland, including trails and river access around Lizard Mountain, and urged preservation of that land for public recreation and groundwater protection. She said county and state entities had expressed possible interest in conserving the property.

Both commenters asked the council to review project documents and to consider the local impacts on roads, emergency services and wells. The council acknowledged the comments; no council action on either matter was recorded at the meeting.

What’s next: Julius Stevens flagged the King County comment deadline of Aug. 7; residents seeking to submit input should consult King County permitting materials directly for the current timeline and instructions.