Members of the Vincent Planning Commission used their March 4 work session to discuss White Rock Quarries’ proposed limestone mining operation.

Jim Hairston, chairman of the planning commission, said no decisions were made during the work session, but members of the commission simply took the time to go over information and voice concerns and comments on such possible issues as water quality, sinkholes and blasting noise.

Hairston said the planning commission will likely vote on White Rock’s request to zone 886 acres of land from rural agricultural to a special district zoning status at the March 9 meeting.

“It’s a lot of responsibility, and we want to do it right,” Hairston said.

White Rock spokesperson Stephen Bradley said he has been impressed with the planning commission’s dedication to their task.

“The members of the commission take their responsibility very seriously,” Bradley said. “I’ve been very impressed with how much time and effort they’ve given to a very complicated issue. This is a methodical process, and they have approached it that way.”

He said White Rock officials have been available to answer any questions for the planning commission.

Charles Cantrell, a Vincent citizen who has been an outspoken opponent of the proposed quarry, said he felt most of the board members were speaking in favor of the quarry.

“To me, it sounded like a pep rally for the quarry,” Cantrell said.