Enterprise Dispatch Blog

After much discussion, the Wright County Board followed the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission and voted not to require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a conditional use permit requested by Scherber Companies for a gravel mining operation in Buffalo Township. The vote of 4-1, with commissioners Elmer Eichelberg, Pat Sawatzke, Dick Mattson, and Board Chair Jack Russek in favor, and Commissioner Karla Heeter opposed. Planning and Zoning Administrator Tom Salkowski made it clear that the board was not deciding whether the county should issue a conditional use permit for the project, but only on whether an EIS should be required. The county completed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the project, and determined that an EIS is not necessary. Residents voiced opposition to the mining permit because of concerns about truck traffic and potential impact on the apple orchard that borders the proposed mining site.