Known and potential sand, gravel, and crushed stone resources in Grand County, Utah (OFR-369)

By: G. N. McDonald

Grand County has limited resources of good-quality materials suitable for construction uses. However, the county is sparsely populated and the present demand for sand, gravel, and crushed stone is not high. Most people reside in the towns of Green River, which partially lies in western Grand County, and Moab, located in the south-central portion of the county. Sand, gravel, and crushed stone used for construction purposes nationally account for the majority of the mining volume. Because these materials are bulk commodities, the costs associated with transporting them can easily exceed the value of the material and therefore local sources are desirable. The information presented in this report should serve as a general guide for known and potential sand and gravel and crushed stone resources within Grand County. The map was prepared using the most recent geological maps available at scales suitable for a county-wide compilation. Deposits of varying qualities may be included together, and some potentially good-quality sand and gravel deposits may not be shown at this scale. Specific information on potential sand and gravel and crushed stone resources considered for development would require more detailed investigation and evaluation.

Sand and gravel resources in the county are classified based on their regional settings: Green River and Colorado River alluvial and related deposits, terrace- and pediment-mantle deposits along the base of the Book Cliffs and in the Mancos lowlands, and alluvial-fan deposits of the La Sal Mountains. Rock units which may be suitable sources of lightweight aggregate or crushed stone are discussed in the text but not shown on the map (with the exception of some of the more notable limestone occurrences) due to the widespread extent of the formations.

Other Information:
Published: 1999
Pages: 21 p.
Plates: 1 pl.
Location: Grand County
Media Type: Paper Publication