St. Louis County board approves pilot chip-seal project using taconite tailings

St. Louis County commissioners approved a pilot seal-coat contract to GE Asphalt Systems for multiple county and state-aid roadways, a county staff member said during the meeting. The project will use taconite tailings graded on the Iron Range and a different type of oil in a limited application to test performance.

County public works staff described the work as a pilot tied to recent studies by the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board that are evaluating taconite for high-friction surface treatments and similar uses. “This is something where we’re trying to locally source the chip seal materials,” the presenting staff member said, adding that the bids came in “about 10% over.”

Officials told the board two contractors bid the project and GE Asphalt Systems of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was the low bidder. Staff said the project will use state and local construction dollars. Commissioners asked whether the material has been studied and whether the project includes a product liability designation; staff confirmed the work relates to NRRI studies and that the project has a Product Liability Designation.

Supporters said a successful pilot could create a locally sourced alternative to bauxite — the only FHWA-approved material for certain applications today — and could reduce reliance on imports. A commissioner noted NRRI and Local Road Research Board efforts seek FHWA approval for taconite in high-friction surface treatments.

The board approved moving the bid without the county’s recommendation and the motion carried.