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Polk County approves one-year interim permit for temporary asphalt batch plant in Chester Township
Summary
The board granted Hawkinson's Construction a one-year, demand-driven interim use permit to operate a portable asphalt batch plant in an existing gravel pit near Trail to support a county road project, subject to operational conditions and required state permits.
Polk County commissioners approved an interim use permit allowing Hawkinson's Construction Inc. to operate a portable asphalt batch plant in Chester Township for a county road project.
The permit covers use of an existing gravel pit on County 6, accessed from State Highway 92, to support a Red Lake County Road No. 1 resurfacing project. County staff said the applicant expects to batch for roughly three weeks (Monday–Friday with possible Saturdays) during the contract period and requested a one‑year permit so the operation can begin as needed for that project.
Why it matters: the permit authorizes a temporary on-site batching operation to shorten haul distances for contractors, which may reduce truck traffic and travel costs for the project but requires controls to limit dust, noise and groundwater impacts.
Key conditions set by Polk County staff and adopted by the board include: - Permit valid for the applicant only (Hawkinson's Construction Inc.), nontransferable; valid for one year from issuance unless reapplication is received. - Operation must follow the applicant’s operational plan; any deviations require county planning staff approval. - No batching on Sundays; hours and days of operation limited per the operational plan (Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; limited Saturdays as needed). - Dust control required (water, calcium chloride or similar measures) so operation not cause a nuisance to neighbors. - Applicant must secure all federal, state and local permits and approvals prior to operation; MnDOT permits required for any work or signage in state right-of-way; Minnesota DNR to be contacted if a water appropriation permit is required.
Staff reported they received comments from Minnesota DNR and a district planner who raised no objections; DNR asked applicants to confirm whether a water appropriation permit would be necessary. MnDOT reminded the applicant that permits are required for any work in state right-of-way. County staff recommended approval conditioned on the operational plan and external permits. The board approved the permit by voice vote.
Ending: County planning staff will monitor compliance with the IUP conditions and confirm any necessary state permits are in place before Hawkinson's begins batching operations.
