In the Crook County Board of Commissioners Regular Session held on December 18, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding environmental compliance and community health, particularly related to the operations of Knife River at the Woodward Pit. The meeting began with technical difficulties, highlighting the challenges of remote communication, but quickly shifted focus to pressing local issues.

Karen Mikulski, a resident of Rainville, voiced her frustrations over excessive dust emissions from Knife River's operations, which she claimed violated their Conditional Use Permit (CUP). She detailed her attempts to file a complaint, including submitting photographic evidence of the dust and following up with the county's compliance officer, Lewis Seals. Mikulski expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of timely responses and the perceived inadequacy of Knife River's explanations regarding their dust control measures. She emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, noting that previous complaints had also gone unaddressed.

The commissioners acknowledged Mikulski's concerns, with one member suggesting that the county could improve its response protocols to ensure that complaints are handled more effectively. Will, a county official, confirmed that there is a process for addressing complaints but admitted that the response from Knife River did not adequately address the issues raised. He committed to following up on the matter personally.

Adam Mikulski, Karen's husband, echoed her sentiments, urging the commissioners to hold Knife River accountable for their non-compliance with the CUP. He called for a review of the company's operations, particularly regarding their dewatering practices and adherence to environmental regulations. The commissioners recognized the importance of these issues, noting that they had previously discussed similar concerns and were working to ensure compliance with state regulations.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between local residents and industrial operations, highlighting the need for effective communication and enforcement of environmental standards. As the county moves forward, residents are encouraged to continue voicing their concerns, while officials are tasked with ensuring that regulatory processes are upheld to protect community health and environmental integrity. The commissioners plan to revisit these issues in future meetings, aiming to provide clearer updates on the status of investigations and compliance measures.