Commission to hear quarry plans tonight

Douglas County commissioners tonight will try to take another step at resolving a longtime dispute about a rock quarry in western Douglas County.

Commissioners will consider the detailed reclamation plans of the Big Springs Quarry from Mid-States Materials LLC of Topeka. Neighboring property owners who have had environmental concerns about use of the quarry also will likely address the commission.

In May, the county approved a court-sanctioned agreement with Mid-States. The Topeka company bought the quarry — which is south of County Road 442 near the Shawnee County line — from Martin Marietta Materials in 2007. Neighbors claimed Martin Marietta officials did not live up to conditions of the original permit issued in 1990, and the two sides settled a federal lawsuit out of court earlier this year.

The commission meets at 6:35 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.