Planners to separate sand and gravel rules; propose cleaning requirements for haul trucks

Mercer County Planning Commission members on Dec. 22 directed staff to draft separate ordinances for sand and gravel operations, with distinct setback and reclamation standards and new site-control measures for trucks, the commission’s counsel said.

Attorney Mark Kaffar told the commission that sand behaves differently than gravel—particularly for wind erosion and reclamation—and recommended separate permit standards. Kaffar said the sand draft will incorporate stricter reclamation language and different setbacks than gravel operations.

Commissioners and staff also discussed measures to limit debris on public roadways. Kaffar said the draft will require trucks and trailers to be cleaned before leaving a site to prevent material from being carried onto county roads. Chair Mike Eslinger emphasized the need for permit applications to clearly state the operator’s intended activities so the county can issue the appropriate permit type.

No final ordinance was adopted on Dec. 22; Kaffar will revise the drafts and return them for additional review and the Jan. 15 public hearing.