Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Houston County Board of Commissioners met at 9 a.m. in regular session on June 23 in County Board Room 222 of the county’s historic courthouse, where commissioners unanimously voted to complete an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Bruening Rock Products’ proposed Olson Quarry project in Yucatan Township.
The EAW will determine whether a more detailed environmental review is necessary before any decisions are made regarding the project.
Several Yucatan Township residents addressed the board regarding the EAW, which was requested through a citizen petition containing 332 signatures from residents of Houston, Fillmore and Winona counties. Residents urged the commissioners to approve the EAW.
Residents also expressed their belief that EAWs should be standard procedures for quarry projects.
Houston resident John Haines asked, “Why isn’t an EAW in the regs and an automatic on any mine application? If I was opening up a new feed lot, I’d certainly be required to do that.”
Potentially significant environmental impacts cited in the documentation sent to the county included highly sensitive bluff land and karst topography; a vulnerable groundwater area; proximity to the Root River, associated wetlands, and a highly erodible section of riverbank; proximity to a trout stream and trout hatchery; proximity to the Erickson Mine; and the presence of outstanding biodiversity and rare, threatened, and endangered species in the area.
Commissioner Eric Johnson noted that the board received an email from landowners Clair, Patricia, and Jarad Olson questioning the validity of some of the information in the first seven pages of the petition materials.
“I think we should be fair and even-handed. Let’s get the facts out there and let’s check it out,” Commissioner Eric Johnson said. “This should address some of the concerns that people have on environmental impacts. I think that’s a good thing. It will also address some of the misnomers out there, that is being described.”
The County Environmental Services director, Amelia Meiners, confirmed that she also received the email from the Olsons and that she took into account the information that was not relevant.
Commissioner Cindy Wright said it is beneficial to have experts evaluate the project. “It is always good to have expert knowledge come in and assess the situation, which will help us moving forward,” she said.
The board unanimously voted by roll call in favor of the EAW.
During closing public comments, residents expressed appreciation for the board’s support of the environmental review process.
The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 16 regular meeting.
There was only one item on the consent agenda, paying the bills, which was unanimously approved in one swift motion.
The board also unanimously accepted a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Literacy Grant. Public Health Director Jordan Knoke explained that the county will receive 225 books to promote early literacy. Books will be given to children enrolled in the county’s evidence-based programs, including WIC and family home visiting programs.
Commissioner Zehnder praised the department’s efforts, saying, “That’s awesome.”
Houston County Auditor-Treasurer Polly Heberlein informed the board that the county’s 2026 Election Emergency Plan has been updated and will be submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State as required by law. Heberlein noted that the plan will be reviewed and updated again in two years.
“The State wants updated contact information for everyone involved in the election processes,” Heberlein said.
Commissioner Johnson asked what would be considered an emergency.
“Anything that would disrupt the election,” Heberlein replied.
Following announcements from County Coordinator Brent Parker and updates from commissioners, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
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