RAISIN TWP. — A mining company’s proposal for a new gravel pit in Raisin Township, about halfway between Adrian and Tecumseh, has residents alarmed.
The proposed location is just northwest of the intersection of Occidental Highway and Gady Road. Lucky Strike Sand and Gravel first presented its plans to the Raisin Township Planning Commission in October. According to planning commission chair Marcus McNamara, the proposal was not very detailed and the commission asked the company to come back with more specifics.
On Jan. 4, the planning commission and several dozen residents heard a presentation from Michael Wilczynski, a geologist who often consults with local governments on mining issues. Wilczynski, who is retired from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, told the audience he worked for mining companies early in his career and isn’t opposed to mining, but feels it must be done responsibly.
Wilczynski said state law forbids local goverments from preventing mining unless “very serious consequences” would result from the operations. Factors that can be considered include the relationship of extraction to existing land uses; the impact on existing land uses; the impact on property values; traffic and pedestrian safety; the impact on public health, safety and welfare; and the overall public interest in extracting the natural resources being mined.
He said applicants “generally come in with just the minimal amount of information.” He encouraged the township to hire experts to review any mining application, and to require the applicant to pay for the review.
Residents at the meeting expressed concerns about private wells running dry, as has been documented near other gravel pits due to the amount of water that gravel mining requires. Other concerns included dust pollution in the air and increased traffic from trucks hauling gravel from the mine.
McNamara said he expects the mining company to resubmit its plans for the planning commission’s February meeting, which will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Raisin Community Center, 3266 Gady Road.
