Proposed ordinances for mining stirs up emotions - Kotatv

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA TV) - A second special hearing on a proposed update to surface mining laws has been a real challenge for Pennington County Commissioners, who have faced a vocal public.

Left undecided from previous meetings was the mining permit renewal process. The Commission decided it would be involved directly in that process. Commissioners decided that mine owners must send letters alerting residents who live within a half-mile of the site instead of the original 300 feet. One mine owner is concerned about increased costs from any permit changes.

“Some of the ones I haven't agreed with is the high costs,” said James Dean, Owner of Dakota Stone. “That they are putting on a company of my size. It sounds like they are going to be able to work with that type of thing.”

On the other side of the debate the group “Concerned for the Black Hills” wants to make sure mines do not just get passed down through generations without being inspected each time.

"I think the biggest change we want to see is the wording as it relates to limits of operation,” said Kelsey Parker, Bangs McCullen Law Firm Attorney. “And what that talks about is existing mines as they are today. And the way it's written currently is that all these existing mines, that exist today are going to be grandfathered in."

Anything decided at this second hearing can be changed after more input. The final decision is expected during the next Commission meeting on Feb. 27th.