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From the May 2008 issue
Small Bluestone Operations Thrive in New York State
Nestled primarily in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, New York's bluestone mining industry has grown steadily during the last decade, according to a new report by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The number of bluestone mine permits climbed from 15 in 1998 to 85 by the end of 2007. This is due in part to DEC's efforts to document and enroll mines in a permit program while encouraging exploration. It also is due to growing interest in New York State as one of the few repositories of bluestone in the nation.
Bluestone 101
Bluestone's durability and non-skid surface make it ideal for use on outdoor stairs and patios
Bluestone, a variety of sandstone, is used for construction applications where durability and a non-skid surface are required. In the United States, bluestone is found only in New York State and Pennsylvania. The estimated value of the industry in New York is about $100 million per year.
Bluestone has been mined periodically in New York since the mid-19th century, but many operations were abandoned during the early 20th century. In some instances, today's miners are returning to those abandoned mines. Miners typically explore for and mine bluestone at high elevations and at the edges of steep slopes, often in remote locations.
Regulatory Change
New York's growth in bluestone mines is attributable to two major factors: 1) changes in Pennsylvania's regulations, and 2) a new permitting system in New York. Pennsylvania instituted regulations in 1996 that restricted bluestone mining, sparking some operations to move to New York. Soon after, New York launched an outreach and education program and began to develop legislation to match the discreet aspects of bluestone exploration amid changing conditions. In 2002, the state enacted a law that created a regulatory system that is unique in the world of mining.
Permits and Restrictions
Temporary "bluestone exploration" permits allow miners to see if a site will yield high quality bluestone such as this
Bluestone miners do not know what they will get in terms of uniformity and quality until they dig into a site, making exploration risky. Recognizing this, DEC developed a "bluestone exploration authorization" permit that allows a miner to investigate a site for up to two years (the permit must be renewed after one year) before determining whether to pursue a full mining permit. Limitations to the exploration permit include restrictions on the amount of material removed and on the size of the mining company, which must have five employees or fewer.
Permanent Legislation Needed
The law governing bluestone mining expires on July 31, 2008. In its report to the state legislature, DEC recommended that the statute be made permanent. Market forces have led bluestone miners to enter older, worked sites as well as new sites to explore for saleable product. The current regulatory framework provides ground rules that both foster this work and provide substantial oversight.
