Residents urge St. Cloud City Council to deny CND Rock Crushing facility expansion due to noise and pollution

Residents of St. Cloud voiced strong concerns during the City Council meeting on December 12, 2024, regarding the ongoing operations of a local rock crushing facility, CND. The meeting highlighted significant community dissatisfaction with the facility's impact on noise, dust, and traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Multiple residents, including Jeff Shepler and Doug Matheny, expressed their frustrations about the noise generated by the rock crushing operations, which they described as unbearable. Shepler noted that the noise levels seemed to decrease before council meetings only to spike afterward, suggesting a lack of accountability from the facility. He urged the council to deny any approvals that would allow CND to continue its operations, emphasizing the detrimental effects on local quality of life.

Concerns about dust pollution were also raised, with residents reporting that the dust has worsened since the facility began operations. They highlighted the challenges of maintaining cleanliness in their homes and the health risks associated with increased particulate matter in the air.

Traffic issues were another focal point of the discussion, with residents citing the heavy truck traffic on Hickory Tree Road as a growing problem. The influx of vehicles from the facility, combined with residential developments in the area, has made the road increasingly congested and hazardous.

The council was reminded that while city staff had recommended approval for the facility's operations, it is ultimately the council's responsibility to consider the community's input and make decisions that reflect the residents' needs. Several speakers called for a reevaluation of the facility's presence in the area, arguing that it does not belong in a growing residential community.

As the meeting concluded, the council faced mounting pressure to address these concerns and consider the long-term implications of their decisions on the community's health and safety. Residents are hopeful that their voices will lead to meaningful action in the future.