Less dust, noise and traffic congestion could be ahead in Batesburg-Leesville.

Granite mining hours may soon be decreased, said County Councilman Larry Brigham, who wants to lessen the hours.

The County Planning Commission has approved.

The Lexington County Council may amend the mining hour ordinance.

Vulcan wanted more time to mine more granite but neighbors of the quarry have raised concerns.

Mining currently happens 12 hours on weekdays - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Brigham represents Batesburg-Leesville residents who would be most affected by longer mining hours.

Brigham’s district contains the only area rock quarry.

Granite mines last 75-100 years and dig 300 feet or deeper into the earth.

That’s the equivalent of a 27-story building.

“The biggest [issue] is water,” Brigham said. Mines could “mess the aquifers.” Wells could go dry or become tainted. The surrounding livestock and people could be harmed.

Dust, noise and traffic congestion can result from long mining hours. People with asthma and COPD may suffer, Brigham said.

New cases of breathing issues may arise.

Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be affected by the noise.

Mining trucks can hold up rush hour traffic and impede school buses and emergency vehicles responding to fire and accident calls.

They “can’t stop on a dime,” Brigham said.

Accidents can result.

Brigham’s plan would open mining hours from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays. On Saturday, they would be by appointment only.

Brigham says other council members are more gungho for extended hours as they have no quarries in their districts.

The Council plans to resume mining hour discussions Aug. 28.