Goshen officials believe that a proposed gravel pit near the Goshen Regional Airport could endanger airplanes.

The Elkhart County Board of Zoning Appeals will vote Thursday on a special use permit that will allow Yellow Creek Gravel Services to build a sand and gravel mine northeast of the airport, according to the Elkhart Truth.

The 125-acre property, located between C.R. 40 and C.R. 42, is currently being used for agriculture. Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman and other city officials hope it stays that way.

That’s because bodies of water, like ponds in mining operations, tend to attract birds. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends such bodies of water are kept 10,000 feet away from airports.

County Planning Department officials also are recommending denying the request because the property is near several residential properties.