Knife River manager outlines Naaktgeboren Pit operations as Silver Creek P&Z recommends conditional approval

Knife River’s Energy Service & Environmental Manager, Steve Basgaad, described operations at the Naaktgeboren Pit during the March 3 Silver Creek Township Planning & Zoning meeting and answered questions about site safety. Board members raised concerns that trucks leaving the pit had not been consistently stopping, which prompted discussion of site visibility and enforcement measures.

At the meeting Chair Chris Klein and several supervisors debated options to reduce the risk to the public. Supervisors suggested cutting back berms to improve sightlines or more vigorously enforcing the stop requirement for haulers; Klein cautioned that enforcement would likely impose costs on the county. The board approved the permit with conditions and adopted three recommendations: the board recommended approval for two seasons (2026 and 2027), that the operation be converted to an interim use permit, and that the site be reviewed again in 2028.

The motion to approve was made by Supervisor Helman and seconded by Supervisor Geyen and carried by a 9-0 vote. The board’s action incorporated the conditions set out in the Wright County public hearing notice and added the three recommendations above.

The decision directs a formal review at the end of the two-season period; no further timetable or additional monitoring requirements beyond the 2028 review were specified in the meeting record.