Proposed gravel pit will undergo further scrutiny

A proposed gravel pit near Kimball will undergo an environmental study. The Stearns County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday, April 10, to require an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) be done on the area before the County’s Planning Commission votes whether to approve the operation of the gravel pit. Bauerly Brothers wants to mine gravel on 34 acres of a 52-acre site north of Highway 55 in Maine Prairie Township.

Neighbors who live near the site showed up at the public hearing conducted by the Board to let Commissioners know they think a gravel pit would create noise and traffic problems, would ruin a wooded area known for its wildlife and have negative impacts on the area’s surface and groundwater supplies. Bauerly Brothers says it will cut as few trees as possible and keep the noise and pollution to a minimum for neighbors.

Next week the County Commissioners will take up the issue again when they formally adopt a resolution requiring the EAW.