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Buffalo County approves permanent mineral extraction permit despite resident opposition

Buffalo County Board of Commissioners · March 1, 2026

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Summary

The Buffalo County Board approved a Special Use Permit for a permanent mineral extraction operation on parcel 360023000 on July 8, 2025, after a public hearing in which multiple residents spoke against the project; approval includes conditions such as annual review, 911 signage, setback requirements and site restoration.

The Buffalo County Board of Commissioners on July 8 approved Resolution 2025-45 granting a Special Use Permit to operate a permanent mineral extraction operation on tax parcel 360023000 (a roughly 24.03-acre tract described in the resolution). The Planning and Zoning Commission had earlier forwarded a recommendation of approval on a 5–2 vote.

During the public hearing on the permit several Buffalo County residents—Mari Woolsey, Joanne Majer, Amanda Majer, Steven Pesek and Dan Major—addressed the board to oppose the proposal. After closing the hearing, the board voted to approve the permit and attached multiple conditions to the approval: annual review by the board, required 911 address signage, assignment of the address 38266 160th Road, county entry access to be approved by county staff, a 50-foot setback from any property line or road for dirt piling, inventory and excavation equipment, and a requirement that areas be restored to their original state after excavation activities conclude. The board also reserved authority to revoke the permit for noncompliance following additional review and public notice.

The resolution notes the applicant (through Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C.) filed the application on behalf of the landowner and that the Board’s approval is conditioned on continued compliance with all state and federal regulations. The board recorded the approval by roll call vote and entered the permit and conditions into the county record.

What to watch: the permit is permanent but subject to annual review, and the board retains authority to revoke the permit if conditions are not met. Residents may return to request revocation or compliance reviews in future public hearings.