Borough planners discuss gravel mining tonight

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission meets tonight to discuss, and perhaps vote on, the future of gravel mining in the Valley.

On the agenda is the proposed comprehensive earth materials extraction ordinance. As it is written, the ordinance would mean big changes in top soil and reclamation requirements, bonding and insurance requirements and how gravel is extracted within the water table. These changes would apply to the whole borough, including inside the three cities.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight in Fire Station 61 at 101 Swanson Ave., in Wasilla.

The ordinance is scheduled not for public hearing, but rather for the commission to discuss the proposed changes. If the commissioners do not vote on the matter tonight, the ordinance is scheduled for the Oct. 19 meeting.

After the planning commission makes its recommendation, the ordinance goes to the borough assembly for a final vote in November.