Residents warn council the proposed Cumberland aggregate mine could bring hundreds of trucks, heavy water use and noise

During the public‑comment period at the July 13 Eden Plus City Council meeting, several residents urged councilors to pay close attention to a King County permitting process for a proposed Cumberland aggregate mine and asphalt plant and to consider land‑preservation options.

Julius Stevens, who identified himself as a resident of unincorporated King County, said the project materials indicate a long‑term extraction plan of about 25–35 years and estimated truck traffic “approximately 298 to 668 heavy trucks per day,” with round‑the‑clock operations. He warned that the traffic would strain roads and emergency services across Enumclaw and neighboring jurisdictions and said the proposal could require 175,000 to 250,000 gallons of water per day to operate. Stevens urged the council to review the King County project documentation and to note that the public comment period is open through Aug. 7.

Linda Stevens urged preservation of roughly 990 acres north of Cumberland — including Lizard Mountain and trails that provide White River access — saying the land is important for recreation and local well protection; she said state and county entities have expressed some interest in acquisition. Another resident thanked city staff and police for parade safety measures and suggested small modifications such as relocating a postal box and trimming bushes at a dangerous corner.

Separately, a speaker identified in the record as Malinaro raised concerns about a separate neighborhood impact issue: a proposed nightclub or event center at the former Moose Lodge, saying that similar venues previously generated complaints and urging the council to consult the municipal noise‑control code (chapter 8).

No council action on the Cumberland project was taken at the meeting; comments were submitted for the record and speakers asked the city to forward or consider King County materials as part of the larger regional review process.

The council was reminded that King County’s comment window remains open through Aug. 7; the council did not state any formal city position on the project during the meeting.