Planning commissioners approve Westland Excavating permit for 39.5‑acre gravel mine

Clay County planning commissioners voted to approve an interim use permit for Westland Excavating to operate a 39.5‑acre gravel mine on a 137‑acre parcel in Keene Township.

Planning staff described the request as an interim mine on Parcel 17‑031‑0100 (north half of fractional Section 31 and the NE¼ and SE¼ of Section 31, Township 141N Range 45). Staff said the site is already characterized by agricultural use and several existing mines, and noted prior, related permits issued in 2023 and 2024. Matt, planning staff, told the commission the applicant proposes extraction and on‑site processing with dust control, phased reclamation and on‑site stormwater containment; no dewatering is proposed.

The county estimated reclamation at about $1,000 per acre and recommended a $40,000 reclamation bond. Matt said the conditions largely mirror a 2023 permit that was not implemented, with the only substantive changes being an updated termination date and bond information. He also noted cumulative impacts on local roads and the need for coordination among haul‑road operators.

Jeff, representing Westland Excavating, told the commission, “I’m Jeff with Westland Excavating. We’re looking to open up a pit there to get closer to town for logistic purposes. We have a whole bunch of sand we need to bring to the data center in Harwood this year yet, so it would save us, like, 12 miles.” He confirmed most material on the site is sand with some rockier zones.

Commissioners discussed several operational details before voting. One commissioner asked whether a $40,000 bond for the proposed 39.5‑acre pit could trigger a state environmental review; staff said a condition clarifying maximums and compliance would address that concern and noted wetland review remains appropriate because of wetlands in the property’s southeast corner. Commissioners also raised concerns about truck operators driving off the maintained road into a private bin site to avoid rough pavement; staff said enforcement of haul‑road maintenance is typically complaint‑driven and that permit conditions require operators to maintain the haul road, but that coordination among multiple operators will be necessary.

Commissioner Ashley moved to approve the interim use permit with 13 conditions and with the addition of specific dates to condition number 8; the motion was seconded by Brad and carried. The chair announced, “Motion is carried,” and the permit was approved.

The approved conditions include the $40,000 reclamation bond and phased reclamation plans; operating hours were noted consistent with other permits (staff noted 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. as the typical operating window and Saturday hauling from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.), with an administrative contact provision allowing staff to consider limited exceptions. The commission asked staff to note private‑property encroachment concerns in the minutes and to pursue signage and coordination with the township and other permit holders to keep trucks on the roadway.

Next steps: the permit stands as approved with the listed conditions; enforcement of haul‑road maintenance will depend on complaint reporting and follow‑up by county staff, and staff will coordinate with the township and other operators on signage and outreach.