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Planning commission approves tree-grinding facility with conditions near Harrisburg
Summary
After hearing support from local contractors and limited opposition, the Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a tree-grinding operation; staff recommended six conditions including floodplain permitting, fencing and limits on hours and truck traffic.
The Lincoln County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a tree-grinding operation on a roughly 9.5-acre site in an area with mixed commercial and A-1 agricultural zoning.
Toby Brown, planning staff, said the operation will be outside floodway portions of the parcel, will be fully fenced with gated access, and would operate generally between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. He told the commission staff anticipates 1–4 trucks per day and 1–3 employees and recommended approval subject to six conditions including an annual floodplain development permit to monitor operations.
Applicant Randy Namiga said the site would accept only clean tree waste ("no tree stumps, no garbage, no debris") and grind material for reuse, often delivering chips to an ethanol plant; he described an "get it in, get it out" approach to avoid long-term piles that decompose and create odor.
Local contractors and Perry Township officials supported the project while asking for engineered driveways and guarantees for culvert/ditch work. Chris York, a tree contractor, said local grinding capacity is limited outside the area and the facility would reduce long hauls.
Commissioner Green moved to approve the CUP with staff conditions; Commissioner Scott seconded. The permit passed on roll call with a majority yes and one abstention.
Next steps: the applicant must secure an annual floodplain permit and meet the six staff-imposed conditions before commencing operations.
