CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. — The state attorney general is trying to stop an Arizona company from building a mine in the middle of a Chino Valley neighborhood in Yavapai County.
People living near the proposed mine site said they were blindsided when public notices were posted on electrical poles in the neighborhood three months ago.
"We are what we call ground zero," said Susi Brumett who retired with her husband to Cedar Heights, a Chino Valley neighborhood, in search of peace and quiet.
The possibility of a new neighbor is forcing them to question their forever home.
“Are we going to have to move? We can’t sell our house. Nobody is going to want to move next to a mine," Brumett said.
Arizona companies, Rock Supply, LLC and Fortune Rock, LLC plan on building an aggregate mine on five acres of land surrounded by the residentially zoned property.
Attorney General Kris Mayes last week filed a temporary injunction alleging the proposed mine violates state law calling it a public nuisance.
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Brumett lives less than 100 feet from where the proposed mine would be.
"This is just the absolute worst place to put a mine. It will put so many people in jeopardy," Vickie Niesley, a neighbor, said.
People living nearby created a coalition to stop the mine. They have a long list of concerns.
“The damage the blasting can do, the fly rock can do, the noise, the air, the water," Brumett said. "It has been extremely stressful for all of us.”
Neighbors told 12News they are thrilled to see Mayes' legal action.
“We’re hoping that this temporary injunction turns into a permanent injunction and we can be done," Niesley said.
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Mayes was unavailable for an interview but sent 12News this statement:
"At a recent town hall in Chino Valley, I heard from hundreds of residents about the harm the proposed mine in their neighborhood would have on them and their families. In response to these concerns, on Friday I took legal action, asking the court to recognize the severe implications of the mine's operation as a public nuisance and to halt its development," Mayes said. "As Attorney General, it is my responsibility to protect the well-being of our communities. The proposed mine poses a threat to the health and safety of residents, bringing with it dust, noise, and traffic that would not only disrupt the daily lives of those who have made the area their home for decades but also create a public nuisance—something that is prohibited under Arizona state law."
12News reached out to Rock Supply, LLC. for comment and did not immediately get a response. Fortune Rock, LLC. denied to comment.
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