During a recent Rice County Board meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to a proposed sand and gravel mining operation by Milestone Materials, citing environmental concerns and the potential impact on local businesses. The public hearing featured testimonies from residents, including Andrew Jorgensen, a generational builder, who highlighted the decline of local contractors and warned against reliance on large, outside operations that may not prioritize community needs.

Jorgensen emphasized the importance of maintaining local businesses and questioned the long-term implications of the proposed mining site, which he argued could have detrimental effects on the community. He urged the board to consider the broader impact beyond mere compliance with minimum building codes.

Kiara Jorgensen, another resident, echoed these sentiments, stressing the difference between the price and the true cost of the mining project. She pointed out that while the immediate financial benefits might seem appealing, the long-term environmental costs could be significant. She called for a comprehensive Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to ensure informed decision-making, arguing that the current proposal lacks sufficient peer-reviewed scientific data.

The board discussed the petition for an EAW, which had been submitted in response to the proposed mining operation. Julie, a representative from the county, explained that the board must decide on the need for an EAW before proceeding with any permits. The resolution presented to the board indicated a negative declaration concerning the need for an EAW, suggesting that the proposed mining operation would not have significant environmental impacts.

Despite the board's findings, community members remained skeptical, urging the commissioners to reconsider the potential ecological ramifications of mining in an area identified as environmentally sensitive. The meeting concluded with the board closing the public hearing, but the discussions highlighted a growing concern among residents about the balance between economic development and environmental preservation in Rice County.