SUGAR CREEK, Mo. -- A city advisory committee has blocked requests by LaFarge North America to expand its Sugar Creek mining operations.
The decision led to a round of applause by more than a hundred neighbors who have repeatedly accused the company of setting off explosives that shake the earth and damage foundations, roofs, and walls.
LaFarge operates underground mines that stretch hundreds of yards towards Independence and downtown Sugar Creek. The company wanted Sugar Creek officials to approve additional tunnels and mining operations on tracts of land near E. Kentucky Rd., N. Jennings Rd., and E. 18th St. N.
The company told the city that its blasting technology is safe, and offered to document the current condition of nearby homes and create a process to resolve any possible future damage claims.
But the city's committee decided to deny the LaFarge expansion request. Some committee members wanted better examples of how the company would work together with neighbors in the event of a future dispute.
The company mines stone to support its area concrete operations at a location just south of where 291 Highway crosses over the Missouri River.
Neighbors say some of LaFarge's operations are underground, leading as far south as the Winterstone Golf Course on Kentucky Rd.
