Issues affecting development of natural aggregate near St. George and surrounding communities Washington County, Utah, USA

Abstract

As seen throughout the United States, urban growth depletes an area of the natural aggregate resources necessary for continued development. Rapid urban expansion has resulted in significant loss of aggregate resources in the communities surrounding St. George, Utah. With surrounding communities, the population of the area exceeds 65,000. In the summer of 1995, the Utah Geological Survey began a study of the availability of natural aggregate in the St. George region, starting with informal meetings with personnel from the Utah Department of Transportation, Washington County Planning Department, and US Bureau of Land Management (BLM). A combination of conditions in the St. George basin contributes to the likelihood of future shortages of low-cost, high-quality aggregate materials needed for continued development. The majority of lands within Washington County are public lands administered by the BLM, US Forest Service, and the National Park Service. Outside of designated wilderness areas, the BLM applies its most intensive conservation management to Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.