LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — A Limestone County judge on Wednesday issued a 10-day temporary restraining order that limits activity at a controversial quarry in Belle Mina.
Circuit Judge Matthew R. Huggins paused mining operations for a period that allows plaintiffs in a court fight over the quarry to pursue a longer-term halt to operations.
The TRO bars quarry operators from "conducting mining activities on the property, specifically meaning drilling or blasting rock." It allows for other activities, such as moving dirt, though workers cannot block traffic on Mooresville Road.
The quarry is owned by Grayson Carter & Son Contracting, which is the defendant in the court case.
Some Belle Mina residents cite health concerns as the reason for their opposition to the project. They met earlier this month to assess the status of their fight.
“The area is just a small, neighborly community. Lots of love and support. People are very helpful. We look out for one another,” Delores Fletcher said. “We’ve always acted as a community. We’ve certainly come together on this issue because we understand that this is our life.”
The next step in the legal process will take place at a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for November 21 at 9 a.m. at the Limestone County Courthouse.