Residents warn council a proposed Cumberland aggregate mine could bring hundreds of truck trips and heavy water use

Several members of the public used the meeting’s public‑comment period to urge the council to scrutinize a proposed Cumberland Aggregate Mine and to protect nearby open space.

Julius Stevens, who said he lives in unincorporated King County outside Enumclaw, asked the council to review King County’s project materials and public‑comment docket. “They’re looking at 25 to 35 years of removing gravel from the area,” Stevens said, and warned the operation could send “approximately 298 to 668 heavy trucks per day” through the region, run 24 hours a day and use “175,000 to 250,000 gallons a day” for operations. He said the traffic, noise and road impacts would affect Enumclaw and neighboring communities and urged residents to submit comments before King County’s deadline (he cited an Aug. 7 comment cutoff).

Linda Stevens asked the council to support efforts to protect roughly 990 acres north of Cumberland, including Lizard Mountain and river access, and raised concerns about wells and long‑term public access. She said county and state entities might be interested in acquiring or protecting the land.

Why it matters: If a large, long‑term extractive operation is permitted nearby, truck traffic, water use and noise could affect roads, emergency services, groundwater and recreational access in Enumclaw and adjacent communities.

What to watch next: The King County comment period noted by speakers remains open through Aug. 7; councilors and staff could decide whether to submit a formal city comment or request additional environmental review from King County.