Commissioners approve special-use permit for Pine Grove Farm sand mine; DEQ permit still under review

The Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners on April 7 approved a special-use permit allowing Pine Grove Farm LLC to operate a sand mine on NC Highway 97 West near Battleboro.

Planning staff described the project as a proposed excavation with a roughly 34.35-acre excavation area within a total permitted area of approximately 44.32 acres. The applicant has applied separately to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for a mining permit; that DEQ application remains under review.

The board reviewed the unified development ordinance (UDL) review criteria applicable to extractive industries. Staff told commissioners the project proposes an alternative landscape buffer in lieu of the UDL Type C buffer: a 46-foot exterior buffer with a six-foot vegetated berm, a silt fence and preservation of existing trees. Staff noted the technical review committee submitted no comments on the application.

Project representatives described dust-control plans and reclamation. "Dust will be controlled using water trucks," said Philip Joiner, representing the applicant, and added that when mining is complete the excavation will be reclaimed as a freshwater pond that could be stocked with fish.

Commissioners moved to approve the special-use permit, confirming the project met the UDL review criteria, and the motion carried by voice vote. Planning staff said the development must undergo site-plan review and obtain any applicable state and county permits before operations begin.

Because the DEQ mining permit application is still pending, the county approval does not substitute for state permitting; staff said the county will require site-plan compliance and any additional conditions necessary to meet local standards.