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Public Meeting Scheduled for Proposed Gravel Pit

Posted: 07/07/2026

Author: Dave Rush

Category: County Board, Departments

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Pazdernik Properties, LLC has proposed a new sand and gravel mining operation southeast of the town of Garfield in La Grand Township.  The 97-acre property is located east of County Road 82 and the Central Lakes Trail and south of 39th Ave NW.  The mining operation will include excavation, screening, crushing, and stockpiling of sand and gravel, rock, and other construction materials. After areas of the mine are exhausted of materials, the locations will be restored to a usable condition for agricultural production, forest management and recreational uses, and rural residential development.  Various stages of mining may occur over the span of 50 years before mining ceases. 


Due to the size of the property (more than 40 acres) and the maximum depth of excavation (more than 10 feet), the proposed operation has triggered a mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW).  The EAW provides an opportunity for county, state and local agencies, and members of the public, to consider the potential effects of the project.  As part of this process, the Douglas County Planning Advisory Commission will be holding a public meeting on the proposed gravel pit on July 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Conference Room C of the Courthouse.  A brief overview of the project will be provided by the applicant and the county will describe the EAW process.  Members of the public may ask questions, but comments will not be included in the official record for the EAW.  


Official comments regarding the EAW must be made in writing and submitted to Director David Rush, Douglas County Land & Resource Management, 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN, 56308 or by email to daveru@co.douglas.mn.us.  Written comments will become part of the public record and must be received no later than 4:30 pm on August 14, 2026. 

Click here to view the document associated with this news item.

Comments:

Monday, July 13, 2026 by Rod Olson
I believe the owner should install a row of trees and and a row of shrubs on the west boundary where there are two residences. This is to cut down dust, noise and hide this enormous gravel pit. I would also suggest that no mining occur within a 200 ft of the boundary of the two residences on the west border.

I have a 5.5 acre plot and i worry about the reduce value this project will have on my residence.
Saturday, July 11, 2026 by Janet Hamilton
Will the proposed mining operation pose any risks to local area ground water/wells?

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