Board approves special exception for Linkwood Ventures mineral extraction operation

The Dorchester County Board of Appeals on Aug. 7 granted Linkwood Ventures LLC a special exception to operate a mineral-extraction (surface mining) operation on a parcel near U.S. Route 50, following a staff presentation and the applicant’s testimony.

Agent Steve Whitten, representing Linkwood Ventures and owner Edward Fleming, told the board the operation would initially be limited to a state-approved 5-acre permit to extract filter, clay and sand and that the state license from the Maryland regulatory authority is already in hand. “The comprehensive plan specifically calls for the counties to create flexibility in the county's regulations to respond to potential employer site needs. I personally believe this is a good use of land,” Whitten said.

Whitten and Fleming said the proposed initial 5-acre pit sits about 560 feet from the nearest residence and is screened by tree lines. They described use of an existing private access road to U.S. Route 50 and plans to install a locked gate and no-trespassing signs to prevent public access. Whitten said the state inspects licensed sites once or twice a year and that the state’s permit currently authorizes the initial 5 acres; expansion would require additional state approvals and, if needed, subsequent local approvals.

Staff noted the planning commission issued a favorable recommendation on July 9, 2025, and that notices were mailed to property owners and published as required. After the board read the special-exception criteria and received no public opposition at the hearing, a motion to approve carried.