Vandals delay controversial gravel extraction

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MISSION, B.C. — The controversial licensing of a company to extract gravel from Highland Quarry on Sumas Mountain has triggered a costly vandalism spree.

About $500,000 in damage to equipment and property was done Sunday night, just hours before extraction was to begin. An additional $30,000 in damage was done at Mainland Sand and Gravel, just north of Highland.

The setbacks will keep the trucks from running gravel out of the site for about two to three weeks.

“Someone is definitely out to get us,” quarry manager Mike Pastro tells local media.

There have been vocal critics of the gravel pit from area residents, who don’t want big trucks running in and out of the site or destroying their favorite pet-walking areas.

But even opponents seemed shocked by the vandalism.

“I hate to see that kind of damage,” says regional district director Corrine Wright, who opposes the plan saying the roads are too narrow. She says the damage was likely done out of frustration toward a government who refuses to listen to people’s concerns.

Highland Quarry is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest of the people responsible.

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