County approves 14-acre aggregate mine permit, tables 45-site campground over traffic-study condition

At its March 17 meeting the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners approved an interim use permit for a new 14-acre aggregate mine and accessory crushing operation (PC07-26) and tabled a related interim use permit for a 45-site campground (PC08-26) after discussion about a traffic-impact-study condition.

Scott Salisbury, property and environmental resources staff, introduced PC07-26 for Mathwoods Construction Company; the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval based on staff findings and conditions. The property (addressed as 20930 535th Avenue) and the proposed reclamation and dust-control plans were presented; commissioners voted to pass a resolution adopting the planning commission recommendation.

Scott then presented PC08-26 (Jones Ford Campground LLC) for a proposed 45-site campground at a former aggregate-mine site (55425 Hemlock Road). The traffic-impact study prepared by Bolton & Menk projected an average of 130 vehicle trips per day and estimated 70% seasonal campsite occupancy. The county engineer recommended a condition (item k) requiring the applicant to submit annual reports on campsite occupancy (to be provided by Dec. 31 of the third year of operations and yearly thereafter) and, if less than 60% seasonal occupancy is shown, to update the traffic-impact study at the applicant’s expense.

Pete Forry, who said he and his wife operate Forry Septic Systems and Excavating and noted long-term experience operating a gravel pit at the site, asked the board to remove or further discuss the condition; he said the traffic figures were well below MnDOT thresholds and expressed concerns the condition could be restrictive. After discussion, Commissioner (speaker 7) moved to table PC08-26 for two weeks so staff and the applicant can negotiate the condition; the motion passed. Chair confirmed tabling to a time certain would not require new public notice because the public hearing had closed.

Why it matters: The approved aggregate-mine permit allows a new local source of aggregate with reclamation and dust-control plans; tabling the campground permit preserves the planning commission recommendation but buys time for staff and applicant to refine traffic-monitoring conditions that could affect long-term operations.

What happens next: PC07-26 is approved and staff will complete the resolution paperwork. PC08-26 returns to the board in two weeks for further consideration of the traffic-related condition.