6.4. SR 03-19-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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proposed mine will be extremely close to the operation. Staff is unsure whether or not Aggregate Industries can adequately address issues like noise, vibration, and dust. Staff has had discussions with Aggregate Industries and the residents immediately to the south of the proposed mine. In the spirit of compromise, staff is recommending that city try Aggregate Industries's proposed hours, but that they are not allowed to mine that portion of their site that lies within Section 16 until, if and when, they own the properties to the south of their site. This moves Aggregate Industries operation approximately 320 feet further to the north. In addition, staff is recommending that alternatives to back-up alarms (strobe lights or microwave sensors) are used outside of the normal hours of operation. The petitioner and the residents to the south are agreeable with trying this compromise. SETBACKS Aggregate Industries are proposing to use topsoil from the site as a berm between their operation and the adjacent road and residences. The proposed berm will work well for protecting 213th Avenue from erosion and for traffic safety. A description of the berm is included in Aggregate Industries's application. The proposed berm is 95 feet wide. The cities minimum setback from mining activities to adjoining properties used for residential purposes is 50 feet. FENCING The city's Mineral Excavation Ordinance requires fencing around ponding areas that are one and one-half (1 ½) feet deep or more. Fencing is also required adjacent to steep slopes (the cut face of the mining operation). Aggregate Industries is proposing to fence the south, west and north sides of their site to keep unwary trespassers from the inherent dangers of a mining operation. Aggregate Industries will be mining into the proposed site (east to west) from their existing pit on the Nemeth property. No fence is proposed along the common boundary between these two pits, which is east side of the proposed mine. OTHER ISSUES Numerous other issues that are of concern with a mining operation have been adequately addressed in Aggregate Industries's application. Staff chose to elaborate only of the most significant issues in this memo. RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission is recommending approval of Aggregate Industries's request to conduct mining activities on the property in question under the stipulations and conditions found in the attached CUP based on the following findings: Aggregate Industries's proposal, including their proposed reclamation, is consistent with the City of Elk River's EIS on Mineral Excavation, Comprehensive Plan, Mineral Excavation Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance. The City of Elk River's long range planning anticipated mining as an interim use on the property in question, when it was zoned Mineral Excavation Overlay Zoning District.