Mine operator on Grey Cloud Island wants to move quarries nearing depletion

A sand and gravel mining operation near Cottage Grove that hopes to continue digging along the Mississippi River is seeking approval to move each of its two quarries onto adjacent lands.

The moves by Holcim-MWR Inc., formerly Aggregate Industries, would allow it to continue digging up limestone for another 20 to 25 years in an area where it’s been operating since the 1950s to produce sand and gravel for the construction of roads, bridges, commercial buildings and homes. The company said in documents released Wednesday that its Larson Quarry and Nelson Mine otherwise have only a few years of life remaining.

Both plans are coming up for public review from Dec. 3 to Jan. 17.

The mines have co-existed with nearby residents for decades in Grey Cloud Island Township and Cottage Grove, sometimes causing controversy as homeowners complain about noise, traffic and blasting operations. The Grey Cloud Island Township Board in 2022 denied two variances the company sought, saying residents feared lower property values and increased noise and vibrations. Several months later, Holcim asked Cottage Grove to annex 120 acres of its property, a move that would have taken away Grey Cloud Island Township’s ability to regulate the mine as well as the tonnage tax — about $28,000 in 2022 — the township receives each year. Holcim later rescinded its annexation request.

A company spokesperson was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

A Washington County spokesperson said the board will listen to public comment and later determine if the existing plan for the Larson Quarry should go ahead or if further reviews will be necessary. A similar process will take place for the Nelson Mine plan, but with the city of Cottage Grove making the determination.

At the Larson Quarry in Grey Cloud Island Township, the company plans to expand the quarry onto a 148-acre parcel it owns to the east of County Road 75, according to the newly released environmental assessment worksheet.

Other details listed in the worksheet:

The worksheet also details the company’s plans to mitigate noise, dust control, truck traffic and blasting operations to keep the expansion mine area in line with performance standards laid out in the Grey Cloud Island Township Zoning Ordinance.

Holcim also has plans for its Nelson Mine on Lower Grey Cloud Island, proposing to move it to a 395-acre parcel of privately owned land the company leases in the backwaters of the Mississippi on Lower Grey Cloud Island. The move, known as the Nelson Mine Backwaters Project, would occur over a 20- to 25-year period and allow the company to conduct mechanical dredging operations in backwaters of the Mississippi River.