The St. Croix County Community Development Committee convened on June 19, 2025, to address significant community concerns regarding a proposed expansion of a nonmetallic mining operation in the Town of Richmond. The meeting featured public comments from residents expressing their apprehensions about noise pollution, property value depreciation, and potential health risks associated with the mining activities.

The first speaker highlighted the proximity of the mining operation to residential properties, noting that current noise levels exceed acceptable limits. They argued that the proposed mining expansion would exacerbate these issues, urging the committee to consider the impact on local homeowners. Another resident, Joe Dunn, presented a financial analysis indicating that property values could plummet by approximately $5.8 million due to the mining expansion, resulting in a significant loss of property tax revenue for the county.

Concerns were also raised regarding health risks from airborne particles generated by mining, particularly silica dust, which can travel considerable distances and pose serious health threats. Dunn emphasized the importance of protecting groundwater resources, questioning the potential effects of mining on local wells and water quality.

The committee then transitioned to discussing the conditional use permit application for the mining expansion. The proposed project would extend the mining operation by 119 acres for an additional 20 years. The Town of Richmond submitted comments suggesting conditions for the expansion, including maintaining tree cover along certain roads and establishing a well monitoring schedule to safeguard local water supplies.

The committee reviewed findings of fact related to the application, noting that the mining operation would not increase traffic volumes and that measures would be taken to mitigate noise and dust. The applicant committed to adhering to existing operational standards and maintaining compliance with county ordinances.

As the meeting progressed, committee members raised questions about the proposed berm heights and the management of existing wells within the mining area. The applicant clarified that while some wells would remain untouched, irrigation wells potentially impacted by mining would be sealed.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the proposed conditions and a commitment to consider the concerns raised by residents. The committee's next steps will involve reviewing the public feedback and determining the feasibility of the conditional use permit application in light of community concerns.