A public hearing was held to discuss an interim use permit request for a temporary asphalt batch plant in Humboldt Township, located on a 107-acre parcel northeast of Barnesville. The current land use is a mix of agriculture and industrial, with an existing gravel pit on the site. The request aims to produce materials for road projects in Richland County, North Dakota, and is expected to operate for approximately two to four weeks, utilizing five to ten acres of the existing pit.

The proposal has a complex history, with previous requests for similar operations being denied due to concerns over haul routes and their proximity to residential areas. The current plan includes a haul route adjustment to minimize impacts on nearby homes, with trucks expected to make four to six round trips daily during peak operations.

Concerns were raised by residents regarding potential nuisances such as dust, noise, and vibrations from increased truck traffic. One resident expressed strong opposition, highlighting the adverse effects on their quality of life and local wildlife. The applicant, represented by civil engineer Jason Versteg, emphasized their commitment to mitigating these impacts through dust control measures and limited truck speeds.

The planning commission discussed the implications of permitting the batch plant, noting that while it could temporarily affect local residents, the operation is deemed necessary for road maintenance in the region. However, the commission ultimately voted against the permit, citing concerns over the lack of direct benefits to Clay County from the project, as the materials produced would not serve local roadways.

The meeting concluded with a decision to deny the permit, reflecting the community's apprehensions about the potential disruption caused by the asphalt batch plant and the heavy truck traffic associated with it.