St. Croix 360

River stories to inspire stewardship.

  • Share News
  • Event Calendar
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Support

Scandia approves gravel mine’s environmental review

The city council approved the study, accepting its conclusion of "no significant impact" amid vocal community opposition.

By Greg Seitz | October 1, 2012 | 2 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram
Site of proposed Tiller/Zavoral mine (photo by Lisa Schlingerman, T.A.-C.O.S.)

Site of proposed Tiller/Zavoral mine (photo by Lisa Schlingerman, T.A.-C.O.S.)

The city of Scandia approved a significant step in the proposed Tiller/Zavoral gravel mine on Sept. 25. The city council voted 4-1 to accept the proposal’s environmental impact statement (EIS), which says the mine will not have any “significant impacts.”

The mine would be located on a bluff above the St. Croix River at the intersection of Highways 96 and 97. Local residents have been protesting the mine plan, emphasizing concerns about heavy truck traffic in the rural community, noise which could be heard on the river, and the possibility of water pollution.

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway experts raised issue with the noise the mine would cause, as Minnesota Public Radio News reported:

Jill Medland, with the National Park Service, said the environmental review is inadequate because it ignores noise standards designed for the National Scenic Riverway, and instead uses state standards.

“Those particular noise standards would allow for such an increase in noise levels on the riverway that two people canoeing side-by-side would not be able to carry on a conversation,” Medland said. “We believe that clearly, such an increase in noise levels is not applicable to the riverway.”

The Forest Lake Times reported:

All who spoke at the public hearing urged the council not to accept the EIS, saying it failed to adequately address traffic, noise and water quality concerns.

Before voting, the council made sure that any future conditional use permit for the mine could include additional mitigation measures, not just those listed in the EIS.

Council members also discussed mechanisms for halting mining, in case something catastrophic happens or the city is dissatisfied with the operation. In addition to a conditional use permit, the city issues an operating permit each year. The annual operating permit can be withheld until problems are resolved.

Council members who voted yes indicated that they question some conclusions in the EIS, but felt that it is time to move on.

Continue reading…

The debate is not over yet, though. The company must now apply for a conditional use permit. There will then be a public hearing held by the city’s Planning Commission, the earliest possible date for that is November 7. From there, the permit would go to the full city council.

 

Conservation news on St. Croix 360 is supported by the St. Croix River Association, which works to protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.

Related articles:

Comments

  1. kate seitz says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:16 am

    Super disappointed that the city council voted to move forward with this!

  2. Dave Sweeney says

    October 5, 2012 at 9:16 am

    Many questions remain un answered but still we move forward? Maybe the city council have answers we have not seen and are happy with them!!!!!

  3. Dave Sweeney says

    October 5, 2012 at 9:20 am

    “Council members also discussed mechanisms for halting mining, in case something catastrophic happens”

    So, will halting mining bring back what is lost in this “Catistrophic” event?  This is what we call “shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted”

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Features

Two inches and 6,000 gallons: A swollen century on the St. Croix River

Cold comfort

New preserve will let students, community, and anglers experience the Kinnickinnic River

St. Croix 360 is now 100% supported by readers.

Click here to contribute →

 

Latest News

Progress reported on effort to establish National Heritage Area for St. Croix River region

Afton State Park Phenology Feb. 19 to March 4, 2021

Spring is coming: Officials provide first St. Croix River flood forecast of season

Tax dollars work for water: Legacy Amendment funds will help protect St. Croix River

Watch: A guy’s goats keep him company while he swims the icy St. Croix

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

About

St. Croix 360 builds support for river stewardship, and connects people and organizations. It is an independent news source produced by Greg Seitz, with past support from the St. Croix River Association.

Donate to St. Croix 360 today »

Story of 360

One of the biggest challenges facing the St. Croix River is harmful blooms of algae in in the lower river, due to excess nutrients in runoff. The goal is to restore the river by reducing phosphorus levels to 360 tons/year. Learn more »

Share Your News

St. Croix 360 is powered by a broad community of St. Croix River-loving people. Please visit our submission page to send tips, press releases, and other news.

Submit an Event

Lower St. Croix: St. Croix 360 partners with online calendar St. Croix Splash.

  • Submit your events to Splash.
  • Share it with St. Croix 360 for promotion.

For events elsewhere in the watershed, contact St. Croix 360 directly.

St. Croix 360 Syndication

To help increase awareness of the St. Croix River, news organizations and other outlets are free to share St. Croix 360 content, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Republish St. Croix 360 stories »

Partners

  • St. Croix River Association
  • St. Croix Watershed Research Station
  • ArtReach St. Croix
  • You and all St. Croix 360's readers!
Handcrafted in May Township, Minnesota. Please contribute today »
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.