Quarry to be object of “root cause analysis”

A goose that lays a golden egg for Oconee County was the subject for concern during last night’s county council meeting, with the outcome an agreement on the part of council to authorize what Chairman Durham called “a root cause analysis” of recent failures with the county quarry operations near Walhalla, including yesterday’s shutdown of the rock-crushing equipment.  Amanda Brock, county administrator, called yesterday’s problem a belt failure, but went on to say that the demand for crushed rock is “so incredible” that it is putting a strain on the quarry workers.  There was discussion of the idea of closing the quarry one day a week to allow for a maintenance day.  Councilman Mize suggested part of the problem is the proliferation of out of county haulers who take advantage of low rock prices.  Said Mize: “Maybe we are too cheap.”