In a recent meeting, the Spring Prairie Township Board discussed a gravel mining permit application that has been under consideration since 2011. The site, located near the Spring Prairie Hutterite Colony, has been intermittently mined since 1954 and is currently seeking to resume operations after a period of inactivity.

The proposed mining plan includes the opening of three new acres, with topsoil to be stripped and stockpiled. The material will be processed on-site and transported primarily south and west to local markets. The area is noted for its high gravel potential, although it is not classified as prime farmland. Environmental considerations include the presence of wetlands and an active Bald Eagle nesting site, which the mining operation plans to avoid.

The township has issued a permit for a ten-year period, starting in May 2025, with specific conditions including a $200,000 bond and adherence to a road maintenance agreement. Concerns were raised regarding haul road maintenance, dust control, and compliance with speed limits, particularly a recommended limit of 25 miles per hour on County Road 86.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the hours of operation. The township initially set hours from 7 AM to 7 PM, while the applicant, Holcim, requested an expansion to allow hauling from 5 AM to 7 PM, including Saturday operations. Township officials expressed concerns about the potential disruption to local residents from early morning truck traffic.

The board emphasized the importance of aligning the township's permit conditions with those of the county to facilitate smoother operations for the applicant. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by gravel producers in the region, particularly the short construction season and the need for flexibility in operational hours to meet market demands.

As the meeting concluded, the board moved to close the public hearing, indicating that further deliberations on the permit conditions would continue in future sessions.