Garfield County has approved a land use change permit paving the way for a gravel operation south of the Colorado River and north of Interstate 70, between Silt and Rifle. The major impact land use change was approved to allow wet mining operations at the site that do not dewater (remove water) from the property. The 57.9-acre parcel, which is owned by IHC Scott, is slated for a 19.63-acre project area and 12.39 acres are planned for excavation. A five-foot tall screening berm is planned for the perimeter of the site. Access to the site is off the Interstate 70