Richland County committee approves nonmetallic mining permit after neighbors raise notice concerns

The Richland County Natural Resources Committee voted to approve a nonmetallic mining permit for the Winchell/Breininger site after zoning staff confirmed township approval and discussed required permits and reclamation measures. Matt Albright, zoning administrator, said township approval was contingent on a visual screen and that the reclamation plan will include planting trees on a berm.

Brian Breininger, the landowner, and Lucas Wachtell, the quarry operator, attended the meeting. Zoning staff noted the DNR may require a stormwater permit and that the highway commissioner had no objection though he warned of increased wear on local roads. Jeff Sherr of the DNR and Josh Elder, the highway commissioner, were identified in the discussion as regulatory and permitting contacts.

A neighbor said they had not been informed about the township meeting and expressed concern: "none of the 3 of us were given any information" on the earlier meeting. Committee members acknowledged the lapse and asked that the minutes clarify which side of the site the tree screening will cover.

Committee members also reviewed technical conditions in the reclamation plan, bonding requirements and blast frequency. Zoning staff described the reclamation standard: "we take down the high walls, to a like a 3 to 1 slope," add overburden and topsoil, and seed the area, or, where slope restoration is impossible, install a permanent fence.

Speaker 3 moved to approve the mining permit; the motion was seconded and the committee voted to approve the permit. The committee recorded no amendment to the permit at the meeting; staff will ensure required permits (stormwater as needed), the visual screen in the reclamation plan and a bond are secured before final permit issuance.