Residents warn council that proposed Cumberland aggregate mine could bring heavy truck traffic and water use

Julius Stevens, a resident of unincorporated King County, told the Eden Plus City Council on July 13 that a proposed Cumberland aggregate mine and asphalt plant could have long-term, regional impacts and asked the city to review King County materials and submit comments.

Stevens said the proposal would remove gravel for an estimated "25 to 35 years" and warned of a large increase in heavy-truck traffic through Enumclaw. He reported the operation’s hours would be continuous, calling it "a 24 hour operation 7 days a week," and said the project’s materials reported water needs of about "175,000 to 250,000 gallons a day." "Traffic will be a major impact on the City Of Enumclaw," he said, adding that noise and pressure on emergency services were also concerns.

Linda Stevens, another commenter, asked the council to consider preserving roughly 990 acres north of Cumberland—land she described as valuable for hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor uses, and potentially important to local well-water protection. She said county and state agencies had indicated potential interest in acquisition.

Julius Stevens said King County’s comment period is open through Aug. 7 and that he left county documents with the city clerk. He urged the council to review the project details and consider the regional implications for traffic, water, noise and emergency services.