Mercer County secures temporary permit for scoria pit north of Beulah; bond questions referred to state's attorney

The Mercer County Planning Commission on May 15 approved a temporary use permit allowing the county to operate a scoria pit on an approximately 5-acre parcel about 5 miles north and 2 miles east of Beulah.

Commissioner Rick Bauman said the county conducted testing and "found scoria" on the site and that an agreement had been made with the landowner, Brad Gunsch. Bauman said the county plans to construct a road and use an approach off County Road 26 for access. Chair Mike Eslinger asked that the county follow a set of recommendations he circulated; minutes note those recommendations were approved by the planning and zoning board in June 2024 but were not adopted by the commission previously.

Questions were raised about how the performance bond for the pit would operate; Secretary Jen Neumiller was asked to check with the state's attorney for clarification. The county's weed department is expected to manage vegetation control at the site and the road department to maintain access.

Commissioner Shane Cole moved to approve Temporary Use Permit #654 and Commissioner Chris Renner seconded. All five members present — Chairman Mike Eslinger, Cole, Renner, Joey Neumiller and Rick Bauman (by phone) — voted "aye." The minutes record no further conditions beyond standard follow-up and referral to the state's attorney for the bond question.

Next steps include the county carrying out the road work and finalizing bond arrangements if required by the state's attorney and county policy.