Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mineral Extraction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Engineer for prospective owner reopens 2011 gravel-extraction approval; BZA requests DNR and trail protections
Summary
A representative for a prospective buyer discussed plans to resume gravel extraction on a site with a 2011 special-exception approval. The board asked the applicant's team to return with DNR setback information and aerial photos, and discussed protecting the adjacent Waverly Trail.
Representatives for a prospective operator of a previously approved gravel-extraction site presented background information to the Morgan County Board of Zoning Appeals on May 27 and were asked to return with additional information about protections for the adjacent Waverly Trail and DNR setback requirements.
Brian Munch, a civil engineer representing a property owner associated with David Allison, said the 2011 special exception for extraction remains relevant and that the intent is to extract sand and gravel for commercial sales. "We do intend to extract gravel," Munch said. He clarified the operation would be mineral extraction only and would not include limestone crushing.
Munch told the board the Indiana Department of Natural Resources sets a mandatory setback from the White River bank; "that setback is a 120 feet," he said, and the team intends to comply with DNR requirements. Board members pressed how the operation would affect the Waverly Trail, which has developed since the 2011 approval. Munch and counsel Brent Pierce said they would research prior commitments that ran with the property and promised to return with current aerial photos, DNR guidance and possible screening or other measures to protect the trail.
Staff and board members noted some of the original 2011 approval conditions run with the land and suggested the operator will also have site-plan steps to take before any extraction resumes, including planning-commission review and DNR permitting. The applicant team said it would be ready to return in about 30 days with drone photography and any research into recorded easements or prior conditions. No vote was taken; the item was recorded as "wishes to be heard" and continued as a conversation for a future meeting.
Board members emphasized preserving the trail for public use and sought clarity about prior commitments and whether screening or other mitigation is feasible without creating DNR floodway conflicts. The BZA did not change the 2011 approval at the meeting and directed staff and the applicant's representatives to provide more information at a future date.
