Planning commission recommends approval of interim laydown yard for Northland Reliability Project in Pierz Township

The Morrison County Planning Commission voted June 9 to recommend approval of an interim use permit for the Northland Reliability Project’s temporary laydown and storage yard at 28583 153rd Street in Pierz Township. The motion, made by Commissioner Clint Kathrein and seconded by Brent Lindgren, passed with the commission voting "all in favor." The application will be considered by the Morrison County Board of Commissioners on June 23, 2026.

The permit application, submitted for applicant Neal Kimman and presented by Cody Dierks of Great River Energy with Lucas Jurik of Minnesota Power, asks to use roughly 15–20 acres as a short-term staging area for project materials and equipment. "The lease is for three years," Dierks said, and the applicants noted they expect heavy equipment deliveries to peak at about 20–30 truck trips some days but not every day.

The commission and staff focused on site-preparation, reclamation and stormwater controls. Amy Kowalzek entered Section 604.7 of the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance and supporting materials (aerial photos, two site plans and a staff report) into the record. Commissioners asked whether existing entrances could be consolidated; Dierks said three entrances currently exist and that upgrades might be required. Tony Hennen (present at the prior DRT meeting) and staff advised the applicants to coordinate any entrance work with County Public Works and to add signage as needed.

Members also pressed the applicants on handling of agricultural soils and restoration. Dierks described a plan to strip about 12 inches of topsoil, place fabric and class five material for temporary surfacing, then return the topsoil and loosen subsoil as part of reclamation. Chairman George Sandy asked that stored topsoil "should not be stored deeper than 36 inches" and requested a formal reclamation plan and specifications for spoil piles. The applicants said material would be removed when work is complete and that a property owner might take the class five material.

Stormwater controls and erosion prevention were also required as conditions. The applicants said they will prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and expect to disturb about five acres at a time while using silt fence and grading to reduce runoff rather than constructing a retention pond. Staff advised the applicants to consult the County Engineer on ditch and access issues before the County Board hearing.

Commissioners asked about on-site services and controls: the applicants said a temporary job trailer would be used for an office without water but with power and would require a permit; they also said they would place mats and containment under equipment to reduce theft risk and contain fluids. The commission discussed dust control and the applicant’s stated 5 mph operating speed on the site.

Clint Kathrein moved to recommend approval with conditions addressing topsoil storage depth and reclamation, a required SWPPP, trailer permitting and coordination with County Public Works; Brent Lindgren seconded the motion. The commission voted unanimously in favor and closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. The item will be on the Morrison County Board agenda on June 23, 2026 for final action.

The commission approved the May 26, 2026 minutes and adjourned at 6:47 p.m.