http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3116059-155/op-ed-point-of-the-mountain-gravel

Point of the Mountain gravel pit is choking us

Gravel pit dust not only contributes to valley-wide air pollution, but also
contains unique toxins. Soil analysis of the POM area revealed significant
contamination with heavy metals, especially uranium and arsenic. Crystalline
silica is ubiquitous in the dust and chronic exposure is well known to cause
destruction of lung tissue and function, and can lead to lung cancer and
increased vulnerability to tuberculosis. While concerns regarding chronic
silicosis are usually limited to those occupationally exposed, nearby residents
can be exposed 24/7 rather than merely during work hours, and the exposed
residential populations include children and babies in utero, greatly magnifying
the public health consequences.

The Point of the Mountain forms a natural venturi effect or constriction in the
valley that causes wind to accelerate as it competes to get through and over
this gap. These remarkably consistent winds make the POM an internationally
famous paragliding site. Wind over 10 mph will pick up dust from disturbed, raw
land surfaces, like gravel pits, and on 80 percent of days the wind is strong
enough to blow dust from POM into the greater Salt Lake or Utah counties
depending on the direction. If you are a resident in just about any part of Salt
Lake or Utah counties you are already inhaling dust from Geneva's POM gravel
pit.