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Pennington County delays decision on Box Elder-area gravel pit after hours of public testimony
Summary
The county commission continued a decision on a mining permit for 63 Industries LLCthat would allow sand and gravel extraction on a quarter-section near Box Elder after residents, the mayor and the school district raised concerns about traffic, dust, water and compatibility with planned development.
Pennington County commissioners on July 1 continued action on a proposed mining permit for 63 Industries LLC, delaying a final decision until an on-site visit and a later hearing so the board could weigh technical, infrastructure and land-use concerns raised by residents, the city of Box Elder and the Douglas School District.
The proposal would allow mining on the northeast quarter of Section 16 (the applicant estimates roughly 160 acres within a 640-acre parcel), with staged operations and a reclamation plan presented by applicant representatives. Planning staff recommended denial, citing incompatibility with existing and planned land uses, uncertain water impacts and inadequate road access under county road standards.
Why it matters: Commissioners heard repeated concerns about increased truck traffic on narrow local roads, potential sediment or groundwater impacts, and the effect of a nearby industrial operation on planned residential growth for Box Elder and on property values. The county must balance landowner property rights,…
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