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Planning commission recommends interim permit for temporary asphalt plant at County Road 32
Summary
The commission recommended that the County Board approve an interim use permit allowing Mathey Construction to place a portable bituminous (asphalt) plant at a quarry footprint to support County Highway and local projects, with conditions tied to MPCA and runoff controls.
The Houston County Planning Commission recommended the county approve an interim use permit for a temporary asphalt plant proposed by Mathey Construction to operate at a local quarry on County Road 32.
Applicant Sam Costigan (Mathey Construction) told the commission the portable plant is proposed to support the Cassatt 2 and other local projects and would operate short-term (applicant said three to four weeks during the August–September window). Staff confirmed prior permits and MPCA requirements remain in force and that the interim use permit allows a temporary operation for up to 12 months under county ordinance.
Key points - Applicant and duration: Sam Costigan said the company has operated a portable plant at the site before and proposed a three- to four-week campaign timed to the county’s Cassatt 2 project; county rules permit up to 12 months for an interim use permit if reapproved. - Environmental and regulatory controls: staff and the applicant noted that the operation must meet MPCA air and discharge standards; a spill prevention plan, MPCA discharge limits for runoff, and MPCA permitting for the plant are conditions of the permit. The recommended motion includes a condition that runoff from the plant footprint meet MPCA discharge limits. - Traffic and siting: staff analysis said proposed routes avoid township roads and city streets and that the quarry footprint provides adequate off-street parking and loading outside the floodplain.
Votes and next steps - The planning commission approved findings and voted to recommend approval of an interim use permit to the Houston County Board with four conditions that include compliance with federal, state and local laws; county inspection access; MPCA discharge/runoff limits; and a 12-month permit expiration. The motion to recommend approval carried by voice vote.
Why it matters A temporary on-site asphalt plant can reduce truck traffic from hauling hot mix long distances and speed project timelines for county road work, but it requires state environmental permits and controls that the county will confirm before on-site activity.
Ending note If the County Board approves the interim use permit, Mathey Construction must secure all MPCA permits and meet the county conditions before placing the plant on site.
