Upcoming Event
Town Hall Meeting
Oct 30, 2024We'll discuss the recent Old Hazeldell/Save TV Butte Commissioners meeting
Preserving history.
Building community.
In 2015 Old Hazeldell Quarry LLC applied to Lane County to rezone 107 acres of forested land and elk calving ground on TV Butte for gravel mining.
We stopped them.
Now they're trying to do it again, and we need your help.
What is Old Hazeldell Quarry?A definitive history
A definitive history
of The Old Hazeldell Quarry
TV Butte - Old Hazeldell Quarry
What to expect
Crown Properties aims to bring this to Oakridge.
16 Million tons of earth removed. 80 Trucks hauling gravel per day. 5000 Gallons of water daily. 107 Acres of wildlands destroyed.
Save TV Butte
Oakridge is in danger
No matter who you are, the Old Hazeldell Quarry poses a danger to everyone in our community.
Cancer causing silica dust
The quarry plans to blast 16.9 million tons of rock, potentially launching harmful dust into Oakridge and risking lives.
Air pollution
Pollution of our water
The TV Butte quarry risks Oakridge's water, with them planning to use over 5,000 gallons per day and threatening Salmon Creek and other waterways with pollution.
Water impact
Tourism and lost jobs
Oakridge's tourism, our lifeblood, hangs in the balance. Old Hazeldell Quarry promises just 10 jobs in exchange for destroying our economy, with no guarantee they'll go to locals.
Economic fallout
Cancer causing silica dust
Pollution of our water
Tourism and lost jobsTV Butte - History until now
Quarry is proposed
- Dec, 2015
Old Hazeldell Quarry, LLC proposes the "Old Hazeldell Quarry" project by applying to rezone 46 acres of forested land on TV Butte for gravel mining. The proposal sparks concern among residents of Oakridge, who worry about potential negative impacts on air quality, noise pollution, wildlife habitat, and the scenic value of the butte.
Oakridge Strong forms
- Apr 2016
Then known as "Save TV Butte," our organization forms to organize opposition to the quarry project. We hold work to raise awareness, organize Oakridge citizens, and submit Oakridge's opinion to the Lane County Planning Commission expressing our concerns.
Lane County deliberations
- 2017
The Lane County Planning Commission holds numerous hearings on the quarry proposal, featuring expert testimony from both sides. The vast majority of public comments submitted are in opposition to the project. Concerns about air quality, noise, wildlife, and scenic value remain at the forefront of the opposition.
Quarry Permit denied
- Oct, 2020
After years of deliberation and public input, the Lane County Board of Commissioners votes 3-2 to deny the quarry permit. They ackgnowledge potential negative impacts on air quality, water resources, and wildlife, outweighing any economic benefits. This decision is a major victory for Oakridge.
Old Hazeldell lawsuit
- Aug, 2023
After having their permit denied, Old Hazeldell Quarry, LLC appeals the Court of Appeals decision to the Oregon Supreme Court. They argue the lower court misinterpreted the law and failed to adequately consider the economic benefits of the project. The Supreme Court has yet to announce whether they will hear the case.
County Planning Commission unanimous denial
- July 18th, 2024
In a unanimous decicion, the Lane County Planning Commission votes to recommend a denial of Old Hazeldell Quarry's mining application to the greater Lane County Commissioners board.
As of today
- 2024, Onward
The future of TV Butte remains uncertain. While the Lane County decision and Court of Appeals ruling are victories for conservation efforts, the ongoing legal battle adds an element of uncertainty. Save TV Butte remains vigilant, monitoring the situation and prepared to defend the butte if necessary.
Protect Oakridge, fight the quarry!
Our Events
Upcoming Events
Town Hall Meeting
High School Auditorium Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024Take Action
How to help
Sign the petition
Join over 600+ Oregonians and make your voice heard by signing the Save TV Butte petition
Save TV Butte PetitionDonate
As a community driven organization our funding comes from the people like me and you who help make Oakridge so great. We raise funds to help with things like website maintenence, community events, and legal fees.
Currently our biggest fundraising effort has been the retainer for our lawyer, who's helping us make the case to Lane County against the Old Hazeldell Quarry. This is why we've needed all of Oakridge's help to collect the $10,000 for our legal fees. One benefit auction and a heck of a lot of elbow grease later and we've raised nearly half of that goal, but we've still got a long way to go.
You can also donate physically at any of the "Save TV Butte" jars located around town.
Note: For larger donations or tax receipts, you can reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected]
Raise awareness
Attend community events
You can make your voice heard and get to know like minded people by attending our fun community events, like dinner banquets and art auctions.
Check our Facebook events page, sign up for email notifications, or come back to Oakridgestrong.org for news on upcoming events!
Volunteer
Whether you're an artist, a history-buff, or just someone with spare time who cares about our town, we need your unique talents! You're welcome to join the Oakridge Strong community. Together, we help make Oakridge the best town it can possibly be.
Please reach out via email or through Facebook for volunteer opportunities.
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