Zoning committee renews Blomberg Pit nonmetallic-mining permit with tighter crushing-hours limit

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee voted to renew CUP 25-031 — a five-year renewal for the Blomberg Pit, operated by H & S Excavating — subject to compliance with state mining rules and new limits on crushing hours.

Zoning staff described the mine as a 31.44-acre property with up to 15 acres permitted for the mine site and about 10 acres currently in use; the nearest residence is approximately 800 feet away. Staff noted there were no complaints on file and that financial assurance had been provided in the form of a certificate of deposit.

The committee discussed crushing hours and staff proposed specific restrictions. The operator, Mike Hopkins of H & S Excavating, agreed to a limit of 6 a.m.–8 p.m., excluding Sundays and holidays, and not to exceed 12 days of crushing per calendar year. Staff additionally required continued compliance with Department of Natural Resources rules, the mine’s plan of operation, reclamation requirements, and that a site address/fire number be provided for emergency services.

A motion to approve renewal subject to the adjusted crushing-hours condition and staff conditions carried unanimously on roll call with votes in favor from Dale Magnuson, Ron Buchholz, Steve Kariannan, Marshall Savitsky and Kaye Wilson.

The committee backdated the five-year renewal to March 15, 2024 and reminded the owner that if the property is sold prior to the next renewal the new owner must complete a nonmetallic-mining transfer form to acknowledge plan-of-operation and reclamation compliance.