Federal inspectors take a look at Oconee Rock Quarry

Inspectors from the federal government are in Oconee this week for a look at the county rock quarry near Walhalla.  The inspection by the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration is an annual inspection, according to Amanda Brock, county administrator.  The federal inspectors have responsibility to inspect all U-S mines, including the Oconee quarry that churns out tons of crushed rock for county purposes and private contractors.  The quarry is a money-making arm of county government and, in recent years, county government has invested heavily in modern equipment.  Brock says while the inspectors check to ensure equipment works properly, parts of the quarry operation are shut down.  But the shutdown, Brock, says is only sporadic while the inspectors investigate.