Planning Commission renews soil-mining permit near Saltillo Road despite neighbors' noise and safety concerns

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission voted 7-0 Oct. 1 to renew special permit 16004C, allowing continued soil mining and excavation on about 133 acres generally at Saltillo Road and South 68th Circle.

The permit renewal covers excavation on approximately 87.61 acres of the site; the permit was first granted in May 2016 and has received multiple extensions, most recently in 2022. Planning Department staff told the commission the county engineer supports renewal if the applicant submits an updated road maintenance agreement, truck route, erosion-control and sediment plan and revised site-plan details.

George (Planning Department) noted changes to flood-corridor regulations that require an updated evaluation of a channel along the east side of the property. John Barry, Lancaster County Engineering, said road maintenance agreements for borrow sites require operators to notify the county if more than four truck loads are hauled out in a day so county crews can inspect and, if necessary, require repairs or reimbursals.

Resident Don Miller of 5701 Saltillo Road testified in opposition, citing truck traffic, noise and use of engine braking ("Jake brakes") near Standing Bear school. "I'd like to oppose this permit because of the traffic and how they're beating up Saltillo," Miller said. He also said the truck noise and engine braking worry parents and neighbors with children at the nearby school.

Mike Heckert of Civil Design Group, speaking for the applicant, said the pit has provided material for the South Beltway and will also serve the Leahy Beltway project. "We've met all the conditions and would be happy to answer any questions," Heckert said. The applicant said it would work with county staff to identify preferred haul routes and provide a contact for neighbors to report issues.

Commissioners acknowledged neighbors' concerns about school safety and noise but said enforcement mechanisms exist through the health department and the road maintenance agreement. One commissioner urged staff and the applicant to contact neighbors directly about engine-braking complaints and haul-route enforcement. A commissioner also questioned whether the recurring three-year renewal cycle gives neighbors the impression the use is short-term; staff responded the permit returning for review gives the commission an opportunity to consider new regulatory conditions.

After discussion, the commission closed the public hearing and voted to approve special permit 16004C by voice roll call with all seven commissioners voting yes.

Votes at a glance: special permit 16004C — approved 7-0.

The commission noted the site may urbanize in coming years as sewer and water are extended; the applicant estimated mining could finish within the next three-year period if development and utility extensions proceed as planned.

Planning staff and county engineering recommended conditions that must be met before or as part of the permit renewal, including an updated road maintenance agreement, truck route plan, erosion-control and sediment plan and an evaluation of flood-corridor impacts along the site's eastern drainage.

The commission’s approval closes this matter unless an aggrieved person files an appeal with the city council or county board within 14 days of the action.