Injunction denied, restraining order vacated in fight against Belle Mina rock quarry

BELLE MINA, Ala. (WAFF) - A Limestone County judge has denied an effort to stop the quarry project in Belle Mina.

The temporary restraining order was filed by Mitchell-Frazier Farms last week arguing that the rock quarry could potentially cause harm to their farmland and an agricultural research station.

Residents also argued that the rock quarry would “torpedo their property value and end hope of future residential, industrial or commercial development.”

A new lawsuit from opponents of the quarry claims that creating the facility would damage the ecosystem of a rare and endangered snail in the area.

On Monday a judge denied the motion for a preliminary injunction and vacated the temporary injunction order.

In the case, the court had to consider whether the Tennessee Valey Research and Extension Center is a “public school” and if the Toyota-Mazda manufacturing factory is the “TVA Industrial Development Mega Site.”

In conclusion, the judge decided against Mitchell-Frazier Farms' argument.

In Limestone County, Belle Mina holds special significance because of its rich and vibrant history, architecture and people. The Court recognizes and understands the disappointment of Belle Mina residents over the ruling today, but must nevertheless do its duty according to the rule of law. The precise issues before the Court are whether the TVREC is a “public school” and whether the Toyota-Mazda manufacturing factory is “the TVA Industrial Development Mega Site” articulated by statute. They clearly are not.

However, opponents say they have a new tactic to attempt to stop the project.

They argue that might violate federal wildlife laws. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which represents residents in the community, informed Grayson Carter and Son along with Stone LLC., that they need to apply for a permit that allows them to operate near an endangered species.

If the company does not apply within 60 days, the SELC will file suit. A similar problem nearly derailed the Mazda Toyota plant project nearly ten years ago.

“We want them to prosper but to prosper somewhere else away from us,” Reverand Cody Gilliam, pastor at Belle Mina Methodist Church said. “Anywhere else, wherever that might be, and preferably not next to people that are poor or people that are a minority, maybe they could even prosper someplace there’s not endangered species.”

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