Bart Christian doesn’t think a rural Douglas County quarry should be allowed to change hands until its longtime operators address concerns Christian has outlined in a federal lawsuit.

“I don’t think they should be allowed to just walk away,” Christian said.

Christian will be at tonight’s Douglas County Commission meeting to oppose a conditional-use permit that would allow Martin Marietta Materials to turn over operation of its limestone quarry to Mid-States Materials of Topeka.

In 1990, the county granted a 30-year permit for Martin Marietta to operate Big Springs Quarry on North 1700 Road, about 2 miles south of Big Springs in western Douglas County. The permit, however, required a review if another firm planned to take over.

Earlier this year the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission unanimously agreed to recommend approval of the permit. The county planning department also recommended approval.

Christian, through his Lone Oak LLC, owns 300 acres adjacent to the quarry. In a lawsuit against Martin Marietta filed in April, he claims the company failed to prevent mining wastes and residue from being discharged onto adjacent properties and streams. Waste and residue has damaged the Lone Oak property, the lawsuit alleges.

Christian said the wastes also threaten Clinton Lake watershed.

Thomas V. Murray, an attorney for Martin Marietta, was unavailable for comment Tuesday afternoon.

According to a county planning staff report, Mid-States has been in business for four years and has operated several quarries, including some in Osage, Linn, Greeley and Anderson counties. No compliance issues concerning Mid-States had been reported to regulating state agencies.

Commissioners will meet at 6:35 p.m. for their regular meeting. In addition to Big Springs Quarry, they will consider a preliminary plat for Lakeside Vista, 1429 E. 900 Road, on land owned by Robert Voth. It is west of Lawrence at what is often called “Judy’s Junction.” The area is being considered for commercial development.

At 5:15 p.m., commissioners will discuss the 2008 county budget.