LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The St. Mary’s County Board of Appeals on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, unanimously approved a conditional-use modification allowing a new entrance on MD 5 (Point Lookout Road) for the Sloan Loveville gravel mine, with a requirement to shut down the older access once the new driveway opens and no later than Dec. 31, 2027.
The decision does not expand mining limits on the 64.66-acre site at 28625 Ables Way, Loveville. Instead, the amendment authorizes construction and use of a company-owned access directly opposite Hancock Refrigeration. The State Highway Administration has issued an access permit that calls for acceleration and deceleration lanes and improved sight distance. The mine’s scales will be relocated inside the site to align with the new approach.
In a letter submitted the day before the hearing, Hancock Refrigeration President Mark Hancock—whose business driveway sits directly across from the planned entrance—urged the board to consider traffic, safety and operational impacts, asked for a traffic impact study, and sought clarity on dust control and removal of loose gravel from the roadway.
Three nearby residents speaking during public comment said they remain concerned about truck traffic at the cluster of commercial driveways on MD 5, potential turnarounds in adjacent lots, dust on the roadway, and engine-brake noise, and urged the board to require a traffic impact study.
Board members also questioned whether the operation is stockpiling materials brought from off site—such as bluestone and recycled concrete or asphalt—rather than material mined on the property. Staff said the mine’s prior approvals (including the 2021 wash-plant amendment) allow processing and stockpiling of material both from on site and off site under the use-type 82 extractive industry standards.
County public works staff and the applicant’s traffic engineer said a study is not required because county and SHA thresholds are 50 peak-hour trips, while the mine operates under a previously approved average of up to 80 trips per day—about 40 trucks spread across the day. The operator said a contractor will build the new entrance under SHA’s permit and agreed to work with the county and SHA on properly permitted “No engine braking” signage. The mine also described ongoing mitigation measures, including a water truck for dust control and sweeping when needed.
Board members added a condition that, once the MD 5 entrance is operational, the mine must cease using the current easement-based driveway; in any event, use of the old entrance must stop by Dec. 31, 2027.
Vote: Motion by Rita Weaver, second by Donald LaRocco. The motion passed with votes in favor from Ronald Payne Sr., Rita Weaver, George Allan Hayden Sr., Donald LaRocco, John Brown, and Michael Valcke.
The Loveville pit’s conditional use was first approved in 2016 and has since been amended, including 2021 approval for a wash plant and a 2024 order expanding areas within the property eligible for extraction. As with all Board of Appeals decisions, a written order will be issued within 60 days, followed by a 30-day appeal window.
Next steps: The county will coordinate with SHA on engine-brake signage while the operator builds the MD 5 entrance; the old driveway must be retired no later than Dec. 31, 2027.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
