OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Informational Hearing Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation

Notice is hereby given that Superior Silica Sands, LLC (SSS) has filed an application to amend the existing Nonmetallic Reclamation Plans dated 3/17/2011 and 12/21/12 for the SSS Auburn Mine, as regulated under the Chippewa County Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance, NMM Permit #2011- 02 dated 10/5/2017.

This proposed amendment removes the reference to using mud pond fines in reclamation and replaces it with a plan for capping the mud ponds. It focuses on the reclamation and upkeep of the clean soil cap over the mud ponds located on the Pietz property during reclamation. Under this proposal, the mud pond fines will not be disturbed during the reclamation process.

Pursuant to NR 135.20(2)(b), a public informational hearing on the permit application and reclamation plan will be held on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, in Room 003 at the Chippewa County Courthouse at 10:00 AM.  The public informational hearing will be conducted for the purpose of providing information on the proposed reclamation plan amendment and receiving comments from affected persons on the nature, feasibility, and effects of the proposed reclamation.

Pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code NR135.20(3)(c), the subject matter and testimony at this public informational hearing shall be limited to the proposed plan amendment, specifically the reclamation of the mud ponds located on the nonmetallic mine site.  To meet this requirement, public testimony that extends beyond the scope of the NR135.20(2)b hearing, including but not limited to matters related, traffic, setbacks, blasting, hours of operation, noise or dust control, or the question of whether to use the land for mining, will be not be heard.

Copies of the application and reclamation plan are available for review at the Chippewa County Department of Land Conservation & Forest Management, 711 N. Bridge Street, Room 011, Chippewa Falls, WI  54729 during regular business hours.  The plan can also be viewed and downloaded at no cost from the Department’s website at: http://www.chippewacountywi.gov. Paper and digital copies are available upon request at duplication cost.

The public may contact the Department of Land Conservation & Forest Management at (715) 720-3644 with questions regarding the application and reclamation plan or if you wish to make an appointment to review documents for the proposed mine.

Trenton Shutter, Project Engineer, Chippewa County
Publish:  January 7, 2025
Date:  January 7, 2025