Commission delays gravel vote

MAT-SU — The advisory vote on the controversial gravel ordinance by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission was postponed until Oct. 19.

The commission was scheduled to meet tonight to make its recommendation on the comprehensive earth materials extraction ordinance. The meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum.

Once the commission makes its decision, the ordinance will go to the borough assembly for a final vote in November.

The ordinance has the potential to shape the future of one of the Valley’s biggest industries. In its current form, the ordinance would impose strict reclamation requirements, increase buffers between water tables and water bodies, and mandate higher liability insurance policies for gravel operations. The ordinance would cover the entire borough, including areas inside the limits of the three cities.