Batesburg-Leesville quarry neighbors’ dream of quieter Saturdays seems to be fading.

Lexington County Council has discussed reducing mining hours and amending a county-wide ordinance.

After the latest round of talks, most Council members think hours should remain the same.

Three readings and a public hearing are upcoming.

Councilman Larry Brigham said it could be months before a decision is made.

Lexington County allows 12-hour mining shifts on weekdays – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

The recommended change is 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and by appointment only on Saturday. Extensions would be permitted in cases of catastrophe.

Brigham supported the change. His district hosts the sole rock quarry in the county. He said his residents would be most affected.

Extensive mining hours create more dust, noise, traffic congestion and the possibility of wells becoming tainted or drying up, he said.

For most other council members, the benefits outweigh the downfalls.

More time in mines means more granite for construction.

Since other residents don’t have to deal with fallout, their council members are more willing to maintain the status quo, Brigham said.

He disagrees with the Council majority.

“My stand is to protect the folks that live around the mining site,” he said. “I will continue to stand up for them.”

Brigham said the Ridge Protection Coalition is aware of the situation.

The coalition has been involved in a number of anti-quarry efforts in the past.