Richland Gavel pit controversy heats up
By Elizabeth Hicks
Hicks@CountyWideNewspaper.com
Nearly 600 area residents crowded into Gull Lake High School’s auditorium on Wednesday, April 12 to hear both sides of the Richland gravel pit debate.
Stoneco presented a plan for an 853-acre gravel pit north of Richland, along with their environmental study. The Friends of Richland presented their opposition.
The commission did not make a decision on Stoneco’s proposed gravel pit Wednesday night, but will hold another public hearing at their May 3rd meeting. Christopher Tracy, Friends of Richland (FOR), told the commission FOR will support the commission if they deny this proposal.
“We can be your best friend or your worst enemy,” said Tracy. Tracy also told the commission that if they granted the special use permit, FOR would appeal the decision in circuit court.
Wednesday’s meeting gave area residents a chance to hear Stoneco’s response to various questions and concerns that were raised at the last meeting in March. Stoneco property manager Brian Doud explained three phases of Stoneco’s mining and landscaping plan. According to Doud, the plan would eventually end in a man-made pond with housing surrounding the lake.
Anne Couture, of Couture Environmental Strategies LLC and FOR, noted that Stoneco had not filed for the appropriate permit for the pond. Couture asked, what would happen if the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) did not grant Stoneco the permit? Would Richland be left with a giant hole?
Couture urged the commission to have Stoneco apply for the permit now.
Couture also asked, “What happens to groundwater once the lake is put in?” Couture noted that the groundwater from the proposed mining area flows south to where many drinking wells are located.
Doud also presented the findings of a recently released environmental study performed for Stoneco by Soils and Materials Engineers Inc (SME). Doud stated that Stoneco’s proposed gravel pit would have no negative effect on the environment or air quality in Richland.
Dr. Kurt Helgerson, MD, F.O.R., presented information that dust let loose into the air is a serious danger to the health of the citizens. This dust can cause Silicosis, a fatal lung disease, says Dr. Helgerson.
Tracy says Stoneco’s environmental study was “riddled with holes” and “meager at best”.
Area residents had a chance to voice their opinion of the proposed gravel pit after both Stoneco and FOR were done with their presentations.
Richard Saddler wore a surgical mask and earplugs when it was his turn to speak. These were symbols of the dust and noise pollution sure to come if the gravel mine is approved, Saddler said.
“Never forget,” Saddler said. “This is all about the bottom line – the almighty dollar.”
Tom Noall is a relatively new arrival to the Richland community. Noall stated that he and his wife moved to Richland for its rural character.
“A gravel pit doesn’t fit with the character of the area,” said Noall.
Kay Willmarth, F.O.R., held back tears while she spoke to the commission. Willmarth said that a gravel pit will be “devastating…intrusive and invasive.”
“We love our community and you can see by our numbers here tonight that we will fight for it,” Willmarth said. “Your decision on this will be your legacy.”
Planning commission chairman Nick Westra stated that more area residents will be able to speak at the next planning commission meeting. At that time, the commissioners will also begin a period of deliberation on whether to grant the permit said Westra.