A conditional use permit to allow for the development of a new sand pit operation on the south edge of Great Bend was approved by the Great Bend City Council this week, despite continued concerns that residents in that area will have problems with blowing dust.
Nelson Stone told the council that steps will be taken to insure that dust raised in the dredging process is contained in the sand pit area, which covers 54 acres at 129 S. U.S. 281 Highway. The spot is just to the north of the Humane Society, it was explained. The sandpit itself will cover 26 acres, the council was told.
Concerns were raised when this issue was before the Planning Commission about the blowing dust and about potential contamination to groundwater, Assistant City Administrator Dawn Jaeger reported.
She added the Planning Commission members were convinced there was “not an undue probability of water contamination” and the application was passed on to the council with the commission’s recommendation.
Stone said the pit is designed to comply with all local and state regulations and he added it has to meet the water quality regulations that are featured in the state water permit, which he is still working on.
The conditional use permit was approved with Councilman Randy Myers opposing.
The council also approved a conditional use permit for Moeder Oil, allowing it to install above-ground propane storage units at 2209 Railroad Avenue.
It was noted that Fire Chief Mike Napolitano originally opposed the permit, however he stipulated conditions under which he would raise his objection. At the meeting this week, Napolitano said the company had met those conditions and he was no longer objecting.
The permit was approved and it was extended from the original 180 days to a year before it has to be renewed.