Committee reviews silica-sand mining plan near Starved Rock; wetlands, tile drainage and reclamation cited

The LaSalle County Land Use Committee reviewed materials for a proposed silica-sand mining operation near the Buffalo Rock and Starved Rock area and discussed wetlands, drainage and reclamation commitments at its April 2 meeting.

Staff described the parcel as previously permitted in an earlier hearing and said the applicant (identified in correspondence as Silica/US Silica and the Riverstone Group) proposed mining up to wetland boundaries and ultimately creating lakes as part of reclamation. The county packet included maps showing wetlands, parkland and proximity to Catlin Park Road.

Committee members asked whether mining would reach aquifers and whether wetlands would be drained for mining. Staff said they did not believe the operation would hit a regional aquifer but that mining would require pumping and management of water; staff also noted prior mine projects in the county had involved pumping and slurry-handling processes. The committee asked staff to pull the original permit conditions and verify compliance, especially around wetland protections and whether reclamation commitments (creation of post-mining lakes, wetland replacement ratios) were being met.

"I think this is this would be their first ... they've just done some preliminary work, but haven't started actually mining the Mississippi sand site yet," staff said, adding that earlier hearings had included large public attendance and detailed conditions.

Staff said they would review the permit conditions, confirm any drainage or brook identifications (for example, references to Browns Brook in the application) and circulate findings to the committee. The county noted that IDNR would oversee reclamation aspects while the county enforces special-use permit conditions.

Ending

Staff will retrieve the original application and conditions, verify maps and drainage references, and circulate the results to the committee for follow-up.