A proposed quarry managed by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority has been under consideration since 2019. Following a recent ruling, plans for the development may move forward — making it the first private rock quarry on public land in NC.
The 105-acre plot of land, known as Odd Fellows Tract, is adjacent to Umstead State Park and another quarry operated by Wake Stone Corporation. If built, this quarry would be a new mine rather than an expansion to Wake Stone’s existing operations.
In February 2022, the Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources denied a mining permit to the quarry because of its proximity to Umstead. Previously, groups like Triangle Off-Road Cyclists and the Umstead Coalition sued to stop the quarry.
On Monday, Aug. 14, a judge overturned the February 2022 permit denial on the basis that Umstead’s park lands would not be affected by the quarry.