12/21/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DEC 2119'83 5 5 mu 719 Mr. Schmucker pointed out that they have agreed not to dewater. He explained that you can dig in water with a dragline even though it is not as efficient and pointed out that the lake is at a slope and the lowest point would be only at the very bottom triangle. Commissioner Bowman believed the lake would be 18' deep in the middle, and noted that if they are creating a lake in the sand ridge, the bottom of the lake will be in direct contact with the shallow aquifer which the people in that area are using for drinking water. She, therefore, believed it very possible this could pollute all the wells in the area. Vice Chairman Scurlock felt the issue here is not whether or not the land is usable for residential uses, but whether or not we will allow the economic benefit•of being able to dig the lake, and also there is some question as to whether a lake in a subdivision is a plus or a minus. The owner can use the property for residential; the question is whether he can mine for a profit. -Commissioner Lyons felt we also must consider the attitude of the surrounding property owners who have a stake in this. He believed the requirement in the mining ordinance for putting the land back in shape just involves grading the slope; so, even if they abandoned the mining and did not develop a subdivision, there could still be a lake of some kind. Mr. Keating stated that as part of the required mining site plan, a reclamation plan has to be submitted. This may just include reclamation with 3-1 slopes, but most have been made showing a subdivision. Vice Chairman Scurlock stated that he personally was opposed to the rezoning, but he always has felt it should be the responsibility of a full Commission to make these decisions.