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Planning board approves Knife River pit with safety conditions and limited term
Summary
Silver Creek Township P&Z recommended approval of Knife River’s Naaktgeboren Pit with Wright County conditions plus three local recommendations: a two-season term (2026–2027), conversion to an interim use permit, and a 2028 review; the motion carried 9-0.
Planning & Zoning Chair Chris Klein opened discussion on Knife River’s operations at the Naaktgeboren Pit after a presentation by Steve Basgaad, the company’s Energy Service & Environmental Manager. Board members raised concerns about trucks leaving the pit failing to stop and limited sightlines at berms; supervisors suggested cutting berms back or increasing enforcement of stop controls to reduce risk.
The board approved Knife River’s request subject to the conditions listed in the Wright County public hearing notice and added three recommendations: limit approval to the 2026 and 2027 seasons; convert the activity to an Interim Use Permit (IUP); and schedule a formal review in 2028. The motion, made by Supervisor Helman and seconded by Supervisor Geyen, carried 9-0. The decision directs that Knife River operate under the county notice conditions and return for the 2028 review to assess compliance and safety outcomes.
The item will proceed to Wright County with the board’s recommendations and the record of the 9-0 vote. No specific changes to haul routes or berm dimensions were recorded in the minutes; staff or county reviewers will need to document any physical remediation required before operations change.
