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Residents press county on industrial development as board reviews wash-plant borings
Summary
Public commenters at the March 9 Deuel County meeting raised concerns about industrial rezoning, wind towers, transmission lines and cumulative impacts; the board reviewed wash-plant soil borings showing 25–35 feet of gravel over lean clay and noted an asphalt plant would require a separate permit and additional approvals.
Dozens of residents and property owners used the March 9 Deuel County meeting to urge caution on industrial development and asked county officials to protect agricultural land and rural character.
During an extended public-comment period several residents warned about the cumulative effects of wind towers, solar farms and high-voltage transmission lines on noise, vibration, and property uses. Sheila Monnier cited research on rural zoning limits and urged that industrial uses be tightly restricted; others asked that hearings be scheduled at times that allow broader public participation. Chairman Mike Dahl reminded the audience that the Board of Adjustment’s recommendations are advisory and that county commissioners make final decisions.
The board also considered a separate application for a wash plant. Rogge presented soil-boring results showing 25–35 feet of gravel underlain by lean clay and reported no standing water at boring depths; he located the proposed wash plant outside the wellhead protection area. Zoning Officer Jodi Theisen reiterated that crushing and washing may proceed under existing approvals but that an asphalt-mixing plant would require a separate permit. Theisen told the board the Letter of Assurance for the site had not been signed and the haul-road agreement remained in progress.
Board members asked about aquifer protection, site layout, fenced operations, cattle areas, road access and snow management. They agreed that gravel operations could begin while a Conditional Use Permit for an asphalt plant is pursued separately, contingent on appropriate protections and permits.
The meeting also included announcements that the previously misposted joint meeting date was corrected: the joint meeting with the Deuel County Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The board adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
No formal rezoning votes were taken at the March 9 meeting; residents’ concerns were entered into the record for future deliberations.
