HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-19 PACKET 08.A.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 3/19/O8 � �
PREPARED BY: Community Development Howard Biin
ORIGINATIiVG DEPARTP�EIVT STAFF AUTHOR
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COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST:
Consider approving the 2008 mining permit to allow Aggregate Industries to continue their
mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the resolution approving the 2008 mining permit allowing Aggregate lndustries to
continue their mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island.
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION:
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PLANNING
PUBLIC SAFETY
PUBLIC WORKS
PARKS AND RECREATION
HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS
ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY
DATE REVIEWED
2/25/08 ❑
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DENIED
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APPROVED
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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
� MEMO/LETTER: Memo from John McCool dated 3l10/08
� RESOLUTION: Draft
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
� OTHER: Excerpt from 2/25/08 Planning Commission minutes
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS:
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City Administrator Date
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COUNCILACTION TAKEN: e[�APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
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CITY OF
MINNESOTA
T0:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Proposal
COTTAGE GROVE
Honorabie Mayor and City Council
Ryan Scnroeder, City Administrator
John McCool, Senior Planner
March 10, 2008
Aggregate Bndustries Annual Mining Permit and Variance Applications
Aggregate Industries — North Central Region, Inc. has submitted an annuai mining permit appli-
cation to continue mining and processing aggregate materials on Lower Grey Cloud Island. The
proposed 2008 mining operations plan proposes the following:
• Mining and processing approximately 1.3 million tons of aggregate materials.
• No clearing of trees/brush and approximately 13 acres of stripping.
. Dredging at an average depth of 90 feet and in some areas to a depth of 125 feet below the
normal water level.
• Processing, washing, screening, and loading aggregate materials onto barges and trucks.
• Operate 24 hours per day seven days a week.
A copy of Aggregate Industries — Nelson Plant 2008 Mining Permit Operation Plan is attached.
City Code Title 3-10 requires an annual mining permit, which must be reviewed by the Planning
Commission within si�y days after the completed application has been accepted by the City. The
Planning Commission's recommendation is forwarded to the City for formal action. Annual mining
permits expire on February 1 of each year. The purpose of the annual mining permit is to:
Ensure the restoration of the mined area is consistent with existing and planned land use
patterns and to promote appropriate reuse of the mined areas; and
Ensure conforrnity of mining operations with the City's Critical Area and Comprehensive
Plans; and
Control the effects of noise, dust, erosion, traffic, drainage, ground water pollution and other
factors related to mining in general.
Commission Review
Planning Commission
On February 25, the Planning Commission held a public meeting concerning Aggregate Indus-
tries' mining permit application. The Planning Comrnission found the applicanYs 2008 Opera-
tions Plan similar to operations in previous years. No public testimony or written comments were
received at that meeting. The Planning Commission unanimousfy recommended granting a
variance to allow mining to operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week and approval of the
Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Ryan Schroeder
Planning Case No. MPO8-003
March 10, 2008
Page 2 of 5
mining permit based on certain conditions listed in the draft resolution. An excerpt from the
Planning Commission's unapproved minutes is attached.
Rdvisory Committee on Historic Preservation
The Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation reviewed Aggregate Industries' Nelson Mine
2008 mining permit on March 11. They concurred with the recommendations cited in the
planning staff report approving the annual mining permit.
Background
In 1950, Paul K. and Mary Schilling (property owners) entered into a lease agreement with the J. L.
Shiely Company (now known as Aggregate Industries) to mine sand and gravel on Lower Grey
Cloud Island. Supplemental lease agreements have been negotiated over the years. in 2001, Ag-
gregate Industries signed a new lease with the property owner, aliowing mineral extraction on
the Island for at least another 20 years. Aggregate Industries now estimates that sand and gravel
resources could be mined into the mid-21st century based on the future ability to mine in the Mis-
sissippi River backwaters, market trends, geologic variations, and aggregate resources.
Several studies and reports were prepared in the 1970s to serve as a guide in reviewing annual
mining permit applications and reclamation plans. On October 12, 1982, the Lower Grey Cloud Is-
land Reclamation Concept Plan was approved by a Cottage Grove Reclamation Committee. A
mining plan prepared by B.B. Chapman in 1982 is part of that document. A copy of this plan is in-
cluded in the applicanYs 2008 Operations Plan. With some exceptions, the 2008 mining plan gen-
erally replicates the landforms and topography as approved in 1982.
A dredge is used to excavate raw aggregate materials. This dredge is of a"twin-clamshell" de-
sign and is one of the Iargest machines of its type. The dredge is a 100-foot by 100-foot by 60-
foot high floating dredge that weighs approximately 550 tons. Assembly of the dredge was com-
pleted in 1995, and the dredge was equipped with sound-absorbing equipment in 1996. The
dredge is used to reach sand reserves below the water table near the Mississippi River. its four
primary functions are (1) desanding, (2) high production, (3) on-board crushing, and (4) sand
recovery. The desanding capability allows the operator to reclaim up to 400 tons of sand per
hour without unnecessary re-handling. The dredge can mine 1,200 tons of aggregate material
per hour at 60 feet below the water table. This year's mining plan proposes a mining depth
between 90 to 125 feet. A summary of the Nelson Mining operations since 1990 is attached.
Planning Considerations
Ordinance Requirements
City Code Title 3-10 requires an annual mining permit for the excavation, removal, or storage of
topsoil, sand, gravel, rock, soil, clay, and other natural deposits within the city. The Planning
Commission is required to review the mining permit application and forward a recommendation
to the City Council for formal action.
Aggregate Industries' mining permit application was found to be complete and responsive to in-
formation requested in City Code Title 3-10-4, Application for Permit. The applicanYs responses
are addressed in the applicant's written narrative describing the 2008 Nelson Mine Plan (Exhibit
C). The applicant also requests the City to grant a variance to operate the dredge 24 hours per
Honorabie Mayor, City Council, and Ryan Schroeder
Planning Case No. MP08-003
March 10, 2008
Page 3 of 5
day, seven days per week as opposed to the city ordinance requirement that all mining operations
oniy operate between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The variance allowing the dredge operation continu-
ously for 24 hours seven days per week has been granted by the City every year since the dredge
was first operated in 1995.
Mining Operations
After the material is excavated by the dredge, the mined aggregate is transported by a conveyor
system that is about 10,000 feet long to the processing plant. After processing, the materials are
transported to distribution yards in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Similar to previous years, this year's
application identifies that greater than 95 percent of the aggregate materials mined and processed
at this site wiil be hauled off-site via barges. The barge fleeting facility can store approximately 18
barges. A single barge can carry between 1,200 to 1,300 tons.
The remaining 5 percent of processed aggregate materials will be transported by trucks. The haul
route is generally Grey Cloud Trail to 103rd Street, east to Hadley Avenue, north to 100th Street,
east to Jamaica Avenue, and then north to T.H. 10161. This haul route has generally not changed
over the many decades of mining on �ower Grey Cioud Island.
There is no clear-cutting of trees or shrubs. Approximately 13 acres of Iand is proposed to be
stripped, but this amount of acreage is recommended to be reduced since the area south of the
access drive that once led to the Beacon Farms site is recommended not to be disturbed. Mining
will proceed north and west from its current location.
Similar to previous reviews, the applicant is required to take appropriate measures to ensure there
is no erosion to stockpiles or earth-berms. At the base of each slope, a channel must be con-
structed to control runoff. The channeled water shall be diverted to a sedimentation basin before
being allowed to enter any natural drainage system. Erosion control measures must be imple-
mented within a reasonable amount of time for the stockpile and berm.
The applicant is not proposing to mine within the Mississippi River backwaters or river channel
during their 2008 operations. They do mention the possibility of mining inside the barrier islands
east of the main island and inside of the barrier island west of tne processing plant area sometime
in the future and have initiated the preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet and
Environmental Impact Statement. Mining in these areas requires an environmental review with
permit approval by other state agencies. The City's review of their 2008 Mining Permit application
does not recognize or imply approval to mine or conduct any other activities within the backwaters
or main river channel.
Tree Plantings
Last year, the City required a minimum of 380 trees to be planted. The applicant planted the trees
and inspections were made by an arborist in July and October. The arborist reported in July 2007
that these trees exhibited good growth and the majority of trees had survived, even though the
area was experiencing a rainfall deficit. Survival and growth of other trees that had been planted in
the past few years were good and losses were much fewer than in years prior to 2005. Tree trunks
have shelters around them to protect from deer browsing and antler rubbing and to promote vigor-
ous growth. Mulch exists around the base of the trees and supplemental water has occasionally
been provided.
Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Ryan Schroeder
Planning Case No. MP08-003
March 10, 2008
Page 4 of 5
In October 2007, the arborist reported that 860 trees had been planted on the site in the past two
years; 109 of these trees died and were replaced last fall. Survival of tree plantings in the past sev-
eral years has improved from earlier plantings. This is due to proper selection of tree species for
the site, providing tree shelters, mulch, supplemental watering, and some weed control.
The Planning Commission concurred with the applicanYs proposal to plant 100 trees this year.
These trees would be planted along the northeast slope of the reclaimed area that parallels the
northwest-southeast segment of Grey Cloud Trail. A windrow of mature pine trees exists along this
property boundary line. The area where trees are proposed to be planted this year is about 250
feet wide and 2,500 feet long. Planting trees along this slope would enhance the buffer once these
new plantings reached maturity.
The Planning Commission also suggested that staff develop a methodology to determine how
many trees should be planted per year. The Commission suggested a formula that incorporates a
ratio of the amount of land area proposed for stripping, reclamation, and mining.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
The applicant has modified their 2008 Operations Plan by removing that area of land south of the
access drive leading to the "River Beacon Farm" site. They agreed not to strip any topsoil or mine
in that area until additional studies have been completed to ensure there are no archeological sites
in that particular area. Equipment operators and motorists should only drive on existing access
routes in this vicinity so as not to accidentally disturb or destroy burial mounds or any other
archeological sites.
All the structures at the River Beacon Farm were razed in 2000 and alI that remains are building
foundations. None of the buildings had any historic or architectural significance. What is significant
is the Grey Cloud Mound Group, a prehistoric Native American burial site and the Grey Cloud
Townsite that are adjacent to the farmstead.
The outer boundary of the area shown below encompasses approximately 91 acres of land. The
applicanYs 2008 Operations Plan shows this area as "future mining."
Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Ryan Schroeder
Planning Case No. MP08-003
March 10, 2008
Page 5 of 5
If the applicant is desirous of initiating site preparation, grading, or stripping within any portion of
this area, they must first obtain written approval from the State Historic Preservation Officer and the
Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.
Meeting Notices
Meeting notices were mailed to 12 property owners who are within a half-mile of the mine.
These notices were mailed on February 13, 2008.
Recommendation
Approve the annual mining permit for Aggregate Industries — Nelson Plant as recommended by the
Planning Commission, including the granting of a variance to the ordinance requirement limiting
mining operations between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to allow the dredge to operate 24 hours per
day, seven days per week. Approval of the annual mining permit is based on the findings of fact
supporting the variance and subject to the conditions listed in the draft resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-XXX
RESO�UTION APPROVING THE 2008 MINING
PEtZMIT FOf2 R,C�GREf.9ATE INDUSTI2IES, INC.
WHEREAS, Aggregate industries - North Central Region, Inc. has made application for
their annual mining permit to excavate and process aggregate material on the property legally
described as:
NE Y<, SE'/4, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21, South along Grey Cloud Trail
W'/, SE Y<, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21
E'/2, NE '/<, NW Y<, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21 South along Grey Cloud
Trail
W'/z, NE'/4, NW'/4, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21 South along Grey Cloud
Trail
NW'/4, NW'/<, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21
S'/2, NW'/<, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21
E'/2, SW'/4, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21
Lot 1, Section 31, Township 27, Range 21
N%2, NE'/4, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
S Y2, NE Y<, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
N'/2, SE'/4, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
Lot 2, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
Lot 3, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
SE'/4, SW'/4, Section 25, Township 27, Range 22
NE Y<, NW'/<, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
S'/2, NW'/<, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
NW'/4, SW'/4, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
N'/z, SW'/4, SW'/4, Section 25, Township 27, Range 22
S'/2, SW Y4, SW'/4, Section 25, Township 27, Range 22
NW Y4, NW'/<, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
NW ��4� SW'/4, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
N'/z, NE'/<, Section 35, Township 27, Range 22
S Y2, NE'/4, Section 35, Township 27, Range 22
SE'/<, SE Y<, Section 26, Township 27, Range 22
Lot 5, Section 35, Township 27, Range 22
Lot 3, Section 6, Township 26, Range 21
Lot 2, Section 6, Township 26, Range 21
Lot 1, Section 6, Township 26, Range 21
N'/, NW'/4, Section 5, Township 26, Range 21
Lot 4, Section 5, Township 26, Range 21
Lot 3, Section 5, Township 26, Range 21
N Y2, NE Y4, Section 5, Township 26, Range 21
Lot 2, Section 5, Township 26, Range 21
Lot 1, Section 5, Township 26, Range 21
Lot 1, Section 4, Township 26, Range 21
NE Y<, SW Y<, Section 36, Township 27, Range 22
Lot 5, Section 35, Township 27, Range 22
Resolution No. 08-XXX
Page 2
WHEREAS, the applicant proposes to continue mining activities and operation at prop-
erty Iocated at 11250 Grey Cloud Trail South; and
WHEREAS, the applicant intends to mine and process approximately 1.3 million tons of
aggregate material in 2008; and
WHEREAS, a notice of application was mailed to neighboring property owners informing
them that the Planning Commission was scheduled to review the application at their meeting on
February 25, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the application requests a variance to the standards of the sand and gravel
ordinance to allow 24-hour operation seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, crushing operations are proposed; and
WHEREAS, the applicant was present at the meeting and no one from the public spoke
for or against the permit application; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the
mining permit at their February 25, 2008, meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove,
Washington County, Minnesota, grants a variance to the standards of the sand and gravel or-
dinance that the extended hours of operation are not in conflict with the purpose and intent of
the Comprehensive Plan and Reclamation Plan and shall not cause any adverse impact to
public health, safety, or general welfare, based on the following findings of fact:
A. The city has allowed the dredge to operate 24/7 since 1995 when the dredge was
first installed.
B. During the 11 years the dredge has operated, only one noise complaint was re-
ceived by the city. That complaint was received in 1996. The applicant was con-
tacted and the problem was resolved in a timely manner.
C. Residents are encouraged to immediately contact Aggregate Industries of any
noise issues so that the problem can promptly be identified and mitigated in a
timely manner.
D. The variance relating to the hours of operation will be evaluated annually.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, Washington
County, Minnesota, approves the request by Aggregate Industries — North Central Region, Inc.
for a mining permit ending January 31, 2009, subject to the following conditions:
1. The provisions as stipulated in Title 3, Chapter 10 of the Citys Codes (Mining,
Sand, and Gravel Operation) shall be complied with, except as modified below.
Resolution No. 08-XXX
Page 3
2. The applicant is responsible for removing any materials that may have spilled onto
any public roadway. This material shall be cleaned up immediately.
3. The outer edge of mining limits abutting public right-of-way or private property must
not be closer than 100 feet to any right-of-way or property line.
4. The "future mining" designation on the 2008 Operations Plan is only an illustration
of the appiicanYs future desire to mine in those areas. City approval of the 2008
Operations Plan does not guarantee mining permit approval for areas shown as
"future mining." Approval of the 2008 Mining Permit does not imply approval to mine
within the required 200-foot setback from the Mississippi River, within the Missis-
sippi River itself, or in the vicinity of archeological sensitive areas.
5. Bituminous/asphalt materials are prohibited from being buried on the premises. Bi-
tuminous/asphalt, concrete, and street sweepings originating within the geographi-
cal boundaries of Cottage Grove may be temporarily stockpiled on the site for
processing (e.g. crushing, screening, etc.) and/or reuse.
6. The applicant may operate the mining operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Upon notification by neighboring residents that the night-time operations (i.e. be-
tween the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.) are disturbing, the applicant agrees to
voluntarily cease operation during night-time hours until such time the noise source
is identified and appropriate corrections are made.
7. AII existing trees within the area shown on the 2008 Operations Plan as "Future
Mining" must be protected from all mining operations.
8. Aggregate Industries must instali erosion control devices at the base of any slope
where erosion is evident. A drainage swale must be constructed at the base of any
eroding slope to control run-off and divert it to a sedimentation basin before entering
any naturai drainage system. Erosion control measures must be implemented within
a reasonable amount of time.
9. Archeological and landmark sites on Lower Grey Cloud Island must be protected
and undisturbed. A buffer of at Ieast 100 feet must be maintained between all
mining operations and historic/landmark sites. The outer edge of the buffer area
closest to the mining operations must be clearly marked with signage. Stripping,
mining, and depositing earth materials south of the access road leading to the
River Beacon Farms site is prohibited. In order to pursue mining operations south
and west of the River Beacon Farms site, the State Historic Preservation Officer
and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council must review and approve the applicanYs
mining plan.
10. Equipment operators and motorists must only drive on existing access routes near
the River Beacon Farm site so as not to accidentally disturb or destroy burial
mounds or any other archeological sites in this vicinity.
Resolution No. 08-XXX
Page 4
11. A minimum of 100 trees must be planted. The plant sizes will be based on the rec-
ommendations of the arborist to improve their survivability. The applicant contin-
ues to work with a certified arborist meeting city approval in creating a revised
planting plan and to monitor the survival of all newly planted trees. The arborist
must file a report with the city twice a year documenting the survivability of tree
plantings and recommendations for future planting plans.
12. The appiicant is responsible for obtaining all state and federai permits relating to
their mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island.
13. The applicanYs current reclamation plan is titled "Harbor Island Concept Plan."
The City has not provided any formal review or approval of the "Harbor Island
Concept Plan" and is only an illustration of a development concept that the appli-
cant and landowner have considered. The City's approval of the 2008 Operations
Plan does not guarantee approval or imply future approval of the Harbor Island
Concept Plan.
Passed the 21st day of February, 2007.
Sandra Sniely, Mayor
Attest:
Caron M. Stransky, City Cierk
EXCERPT FROM UNAPPROVED MINUTES OF THE
FEBRUARY 25, 2007, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
6.1 Aggregate IndaastrBes Miroing Perrro6t— PBanning Ca�e tdo. I�IP08�003
Aggregate Industries has applied for their 2008 mining permit to continue their mining
operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island, 11250 Grey Cloud Trail South.
McCool summarized the planning staff report and recommended approval subject to the con-
ditions stipulated in the staff report. McCool reported that the applicant's 2008 Operation
Plan proposes the planting of 100 trees versus the 380 trees recommended by stafF.
Patty Christensen, representing Aggregate Industries, stated that they propose to plant 100
trees this year and will continue to maintain all the other trees that were planted in the last
couple years. The primary reason less trees are proposed this year is because the area
where new trees will be pianted is not in the same area where the other trees were planted
in previous years, thus requiring their company to have to maintain two areas.
Brittain asked if anyone knew what the survivability rate was for the tree seedlings pianted
years before. McCool did not know the survivability rate of the tree seedlings that were
planted five to ten years ago, but stated that the arborist's 2007 report did reference the re-
planting of 109 trees out of 860 trees that were planted in the last two years.
Messick asked about the purpose of the tree plantings. McCool explained that tree plantings
proposed in this year's reclamation plan are along the northeast slope of the mine pit that
parallels the public roadway named Grey Cioud Trail. A windrow of evergreen trees pres-
ently exists between Grey Cloud Trail and the pit, which screens most of the public's view of
the mining operation. Planting additional trees along this corridor will help maintain a screen
along this road as the trees grow larger. Clusters of trees and shrubs have also been planted
throughout the areas where mining operations have ceased and reclaimed. It was pointed
out that the property owner does have a concept plan for development, and the trees are in-
tended to create a natural environment for the property's future uses.
Doug Wermerskirchen, plant manager for Aggregate industries, reported that most of the
trees removed in the past were boxelder, cottonwood, and elm species. The tree plantings
proposed in the 2008 Reclamation Plan would not be planted all the way to the base of the
slope along the northeast side of the pit. He explained that waste sand will continue to be
deposited along the base of this slope. Wermerskirchen said they are mining deeper as
compared to years ago, thus reducing the amount of surface area that is disturbed.
Brittain suggested that a methodology needs to be developed in determining the tree quanti-
ties that should be planted. He thought it was reasonable to consider the planting of 100
trees this year since no existing trees will be removed. The Planning Commission agreed
that it is not their intent to forest the island. Hofland suggested that plantings other than trees
should be considered.
Folch-Freiermuth expressed concern for the aging evergreens aiong Grey Cloud Esland and
suggested that densely planted vegetation be maintained to screen the mining operations
from the public's view.
Excerpt from Unapproved Pianning Commission Minutes
Aggregate Industries Mining Permit — Planning Case MP08-003
February 25, 2008
Page 2 of 3
Thiede opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Thiede closed the public hearing.
Messick rr►ade a e�►otion to arrrer►d Cor►dition No. 1 f to or►ly require fhe �lae�ting� oi 100
trees for the 2008 year. Willhite seconded. The motion passed unanimously (7-to-0
vote).
Messick made a motion to approve Aggregate lndusfries' 2008 Mining Plan and vari-
ance application concerning the ordinance requirement limiting mining operations to
allow the dredge to operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week, based on the
findings of fact for the variance and subject to the conditions listed be/ow:
Findinps of Fact:
A. The city has allowed the dredge to operate 24/7 since 1995 when the dredge was
first installed.
B. During the 11 years the dredge has operafed, only one noise comp(aint was re-
ceived by fhe city. That complaint was received in 1996. The app(icant was con-
tacted and the problem was resolved in a timely manner.
C. Residents are encouraged to immediately contact Aggregate lndustries of any
noise issues so that the problem can promptly be identified and mitigated in a
timely manner.
D. The variance relating to the hours of operation will be evaluated annually.
Conditions ofApproval:
1. The provisions as stipulated in Title 3, Chapter 10 of the City's Codes (Mining, Sand,
and Gravel Operation) shatl be complied with, except as modified below.
2, The applicant is responsible for removing any materiafs that may have spilled onto
any public roadway. This material shall be cleaned up immediately.
3. The outer edge of mining limits abutting public right-of-way or private properly must
not be closer than 100 feet to any right-of-way or property line.
4. The "future mining" designation on the 2008 Operations Plan is only an illustration
of the applicant's future desire to mine in those areas. City approva/ of the 2008
Operations Pfan does not guarantee mining permit approval for areas shown as
"future mining." Approval of the 2008 Mining Permit does not imply approval to mine
within the required 200-foot setback from the Mississippi River, within the Missis-
sippi River itself, or in the vicinity of archeotogica/ sensitive areas.
5. Bituminous/aspha/t materials are prohibited from being buried on the premises. Bitu-
minous/aspha/t, concrete, and street sweepings origfnating within the geographical
boundaries of Cottage Grove may be temporarily stockpiled on the site for proc-
essing (e.g, crushing, screening, etc.) and/or reuse.
Excerpt from Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes
Aggregate Industries Mining Permit — Planning Case MP08-003
February 25, 2008
Page 3 of 3
6. The applicant may operate the mining operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Upon
notification by neighboring residents that the night-time operations (i.e, befinreen the
hour� of 10:00 p.rre. and 6:00 a.m.) are disturbbng, td►e applicant agrees to votuv►tarily
cease operation during night-time hours until such time the noise source is identified
and appropriafe corrections are made.
7. All existing trees within the area shown on the 2008 Operations Plan as "Future Min-
ing" must be protected from all mining operafions.
8. Aggregate Industries must install erosion control devices at the base of any slope
where erosion is evident. A drainage swale must be constructed at the base of any
eroding slope to control run-off and divert it to a sedimentation basin before entering
any natural drainage system. Erosion control measures must be implemented within
a reasonable amount of time.
9. Archeological and landmark sites on Lower Grey Cloud !sland must be protected
and undisturbed. A buffer of af least 100 feef must be maintained befween all min-
ing operations and historic/landmark sites. The outer edge of the buffer area c/os-
est to fhe mining operations must be clearly marked with signage. Stripping,
mining, and depositing earth materials south of the access road leading to the
River Beacon Farms site is prohibited. ln order to pursue mining operations south
and west of the River Beacon Farms site, the Sfate Historic Preservation Officer
and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council must review and approve the applicant's
mining plan.
10. Equipment operators and motorists should only drive on existing access routes near
the River Beacon Farm site so as not to accidentally disturb or destroy burial
mounds or any other archeological sites in this vicinity.
11. A minimum of 100 trees musf be planfed. The plant sizes will be based on the rec-
ommendations of the arBorist to improve their survivability. The applicant contin-
ues to work with a certified arborist meeting city approval in creating a revised
pianting plan and to monitor the survival of all new/y planted trees. The arborist
must file a report with the city twice a year documenting the survivability of tree
planfings and recommendations for future planting plans.
12. The applicant is respansible for obtaining all state and federal permits relating to
fheir mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island.
13. The applicant's current reclamation plan is titled "Harbor !sland Corecept Plan."
The City has not provided any formal review or approval of the "Harbor tsland
Concept Plan" and is only an illustration of a development concept that the appli-
cant and landowner have considered. The City's approval of the 2008 Operations
Plan does not guarantee approvat or impiy future approval of the Harbor Island
Concepf Plan.
Brittain seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (7-to-0 vote).