Commission approves processing/crushing site and fill placement for County Road 157 after neighbors voice runoff and traffic concerns

The Stearns County Planning Commission approved an interim use permit on March 26 for a 7‑acre processing and crushing site and associated fill placement, clearing the way for onsite crushing of reclaimed asphalt and concrete to supply the County Road 157 reconstruction project. Commissioners attached additional conditions after adjoining landowners raised runoff and traffic safety concerns.

Jennifer Buckantine, environmental services staff, said the processing site will be located on County Road 157 and that the applicant plans to crush existing pavement and concrete into a Class 6 product for use on the project. She described proposed conditions: an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2026; hours of operation of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays (no lighting planned); a financial guarantee of $6,500 per acre to ensure reclamation; and a written agreement with Oak Township covering use and maintenance of local haul routes.

Multiple neighbors spoke at the hearing. Adjacent property owner Bob Lang (25614 368th Street, Freeport) asked what recourse he will have if fill grading redirects stormwater onto his fields and described prior close calls with trucks using the existing driveway approach. Oak Township Supervisor Dennis Gars said the township wants assurance the township road will be protected and suggested signage and periodic maintenance. The applicant, Andy Harris of Matawitz Construction, said the intent is to return the sites to farmland and that crushed materials and excess material will be removed or managed; he estimated crusher operations later in the season and said the crusher contractor expects roughly 50–60 days of crushing production.

After discussion, commissioners added conditions specifically addressing neighbors' concerns: the fill placed around the farm site must be at least 100 feet from the east property line; a temporary yield sign shall be installed at the driveway entrance to the township road for the duration of hauling; and all construction materials (asphalt, concrete, rebar) brought in or produced shall be removed or disposed of at reclamation. With those conditions and the standard performance standards and financial guarantee requirement, the commission approved the interim use permit; the matter will be forwarded to the county board for final action on April 7.