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r BOOK 96 Fr,cr 195 expect a rural lifestyle with a right to have quiet and peaceful surroundings. During hearings for projects proposed in agricultural areas, residents in agricultural areas have stated that they moved out into the country to get away from the type of noise and traffic that they associate with mining operations. Unless the county is willing to strictly limit large lot single family development in agricultural areas, it will not be possible to completely avoid such conflicts. Such conflicts could be minimized to some degree if special uses such as mines are required to locate remotely, such as in the A-2 and A-3 areas west of I-95. Such a restriction, however, would not completely avoid such conflicts, as evidenced years ago by complaints from Fly -In Ranches residents regarding the Charlie Price mine west of I-95 and south of Oslo Road. In addition, restricting mines solely to remote areas would increase total miles of truck hauling. Such an increase in hauling miles would adversely impact more miles of public roadways with heavy truck traffic, and would increase fill costs. In staff's opinion, the county must balance the concerns of residents in agricultural areas with the need for some special uses (such,as mines) that are most appropriate in. agricultural areas. As an alternative to allowing mines only in remote areas of the county, the county can revisit and adjust specific criteria to address compatibility issues such as noise, haul route traffic, groundwater protection, timeframes, and general compatibility. *Specific Areas of Concern 1. Noise. Mining operations generate noise during hydraulic dredging (if used), dewatering pumping (if used), stockpiling, and hauling. Unlike rock quarries that are common in other parts of the country, mines in this county involve sand and marl fill material which do not involve blasting or special on-site processing which generates noise. Adverse noise impacts are addressed in various ways under the current LDRs. Setbacks and separation requirements provide at least 300' of distance between noise producing activities and occupied structures. Where sites are adjacent to residentially zoned areas; buffering requirements provide some degree of noise attenuation, and hours of operation restrict mining activity to weekday "work time" hours. Noise impacts are more directly addressed via the county's LDR Chapter 974, Noise and Vibration Control. Regulations in this chapter apply to all uses, including mining operations. The Purpose and intent of the noise ordinance is to: "... regulate uses and activities in such a manner as to prevent excessive noises and vibrations which degrade the quality of life, disturb the public peace, and jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Indian River County". Chapter 974 consists of two which provides specific noise Section 974.05, which sets standards by zoning district. Specific Prohibitions main sections: Section 974.04, and vibration prohibitions; and forth additional noise control Pertaining to mining activities, County Code Sec. 974.04 limits hours of operation so that no construction or equipment o]peration may occur between the hours of 8:00 pm and 6:00 am, SEPTEMBER 21, 1995 6