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Brookings County approves 10-year conditional use permit for Hillestad Farms to mine clay
Summary
The Brookings County Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use permit allowing Hillestad Farms Inc. to mine clay on parcels in Section 28, Oslo Township, with conditions including setbacks, dust control, a road agreement and a 10-year permit that expires May 6, 2035, or when the resource is depleted.
The Brookings County Board of Adjustment voted to approve a conditional use permit May 2025 allowing Hillestad Farms Inc., operated by Rick Hillestad, to mine clay at multiple parcels in Section 28 of Oslo Township.
The permit, granted under Brookings County Zoning Ordinance Article 4 (conditional use number 24 for mineral exploration and extraction), authorizes mining on a ten-year term that expires on May 6, 2035, or sooner if the clay resource is depleted. The board approved the permit after a staff presentation describing proposed haul routes, reclamation plans and mitigation requirements.
Richard Woodridge, county planning staff, told the board the applicant proposed mining on a ridge that will be worked in phases, stockpiling “black dirt” to be returned and the mined areas restored to farmland after operations cease. Woodridge…
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