10.a1 Tiller Mine AOP ApplicationSunde Engineering, PLLC.
10830 Nesbitt Avenue South • Bloomington, Minnesota 55437-3100
Phone: (952) 881-3344 • Fax: (952) 881-1913 • E-Mail: info@sundecivil.com
January 2021
APPLICATION FOR
2021 ANNUAL OPERATORS PERMIT
Scandia, MN
Consulting Civil Engineers
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2021 Annual Operators Permit Application
January 2021
APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL OPERATORS PERMIT
TILLER CORPORATION
SAND AND GRAVEL MINING OPERATION
CITY OF SCANDIA
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
January 2021
I. INTRODUCTION
The following Annual Operators Permit (AOP) application is submitted on behalf of Tiller
Corporation (Tiller) in compliance with the City of Scandia’s Ordinance No. 103 and Chapter
4 of the Development Code: Mining and Related Activities Regulations, Section 6, adopted by
the City of Scandia on August 28, 2007.
Tiller and its operating divisions, Barton Sand & Gravel Co. and Commercial Asphalt Co.
operates a gravel mining and processing operation including an asphalt plant within the City
of Scandia. The site has been actively mined since at least 1966. Prior to the incorporation of
Scandia in 2006, New Scandia Township and Washington County were the permitting
authorities. The City of Scandia adopted two resolutions on May 20, 2008 issuing Conditional
Use Permits (CUPs) for the site which is now comprised of the Tiller Mine and Dresel Mine.
II. ANNUAL REPORT
A. Operating Conditions
The site operates in accordance with operating conditions regulated by Section 7 of the
Scandia Ordinance 103.
1. Setbacks: No mining, stockpiling or land disturbance activities, with the exception of
screening and reclamation activities, are proposed to take place within the setback
areas. Minimum setback areas are maintained as follows:
a) 50 feet from an adjoining property line
b) 200 feet from an occupied structure existing on May 20, 2008.
c) 100 feet from any contiguous property subdivided into residential lots of 5 acres
or less
d) 100 feet from any road right-of-way.
2. Fencing: The majority of the site is fenced with 3 strand wire fencing except where
prohibited due to topography, heavy vegetation, and wetlands. There are locking
metal gates at all entrances to the site.
3. Hours of operation: The site is operated from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday except holidays. Extended hours may be required periodically for situations
such as emergencies, accelerated work schedules or weather delays. In accordance
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with procedures set forth in Ordinance No. 103, extended hours were requested and
approved on four separate occasions in 2020. As part of the request for extended
hours, Tiller asked to be notified if the City received any complaints regarding the
extended hours of operations. Tiller did not receive any notice of complaints from
the City or any members of the public as a result of the extended hours.
Summary of Requests:
Saturday, May 16th from 7 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in order to provide asphalt mix
to a state project located on TH-97 and Goodview Avenue next to the Forest
Lake Senior High School. The project required work to be completed on a
Saturday to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The work was
completed by 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19th from Noon to 3:00 p.m. in order to prepare mix for the next
morning. There were three large county and city jobs scheduled for Monday
morning aiming to stay on-schedule and the extended hours on Sunday
provided the opportunity to have mix available for customers at the 7:00 a.m.
Monday start.
Saturday, August 22nd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in order to provide
asphalt mix for a state project on TH-97, specifically the roundabout next to
the Forest Lake Senior High School. The project required work to be
completed on a Saturday to minimize impacts to the traveling public and
keep the project on-schedule for the start of school. The work was
completed by 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 3rd from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in order to provide
asphalt mix for a city project in Mahtomedi aiming to stay on-schedule.
4. Screening: Screening berms, wooded buffer areas and agricultural fields separate
the mining activity from surrounding properties. A large number of trees have been
planted in the past to screen site activities. Processing and stockpiling operations
are conducted in recessed portions of the site to minimize visibility.
5. Dust control: Major haul roads are hard surfaced and some roads are covered with
asphalt millings as dust control measures. A water truck is used to water unpaved
portions of the site to control dust. During periods of increased trucking activity,
calcium chloride or other approved dust suppressant is applied to provide additional
dust control. These practices will continue throughout 2021.
6. Noise: All activities are conducted so as to be in accordance with all Federal, State
and City noise standards.
7. Depth of excavation: Depth of excavation will not be lower than 922 feet above mean
sea level (amsl) for the property described in Resolution No. 05-20-08-02, approving
the Conditional Use Permit Application of Dresel Contracting for Sand and Gravel
Mining Processing. On the balance of the property, the depth of excavation below
the water table will not be lower than 865 feet amsl.
8. Site clearance: Site clearing activities occurred in 2020 along the east perimeter of
the 2020 proposed mining area. Clearing activity is not anticipated in 2021. If clearing
activity occurs, it will occur within the 2021 Potential Mining Areas as depicted on
Figure 2, Site Plan.
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9. Appearance/condition: All buildings, plants and equipment at the site are maintained
in a neat condition. Weeds and other unsightly or noxious vegetation are controlled
as necessary to preserve the appearance of the reclaimed areas.
10. Sanitary Facilities: The scale area is served by an individual sewage treatment
system. Portable sanitary facilities are provided in the operating areas as required
by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
11. Waste Disposal: Waste generated from the operation is disposed of in accordance
with Federal, State and City requirements.
12. Water Quality Monitoring: A plan for groundwater monitoring has been developed
and approved in conjunction with the monitoring wells placed in 2008 and the CUP
permitting process. Groundwater monitoring was conducted in 2020. Water level
data is summarized on Table 1 and water quality data is summarized on Table 2,
included in the back of this application.
To accommodate the advancement of mining, PZ-4 was properly sealed in May
2020. In preparation of sealing PZ-4, a staff gauge was installed in the groundwater
pond to continue routine water level monitoring. Figure 2, Site Plan illustrates the
location of the new staff gauge. A copy of the Well and Boring Sealing Record is on-
file with the City.
13. Fuel and Chemical Storage: All fuel and chemicals stored on site are stored in
accordance with Federal and State standards. On-site fuel storage consists of a 200-
gallon above-ground storage tank which is located within a steel secondary
containment area and a 1000-gallon above-ground double walled tank located next
to the standby electrical generator. When processing and/or reclamation crews are
present, an additional 1,000-gallon double walled tank is brought to the site and used
to fuel the respective equipment.
All asphalt cement storage tanks are above-ground. These tanks consist of two
40,000 gallon tanks and two 32,000 gallon tanks. There is also a 20,000 gallon
above-ground used oil storage tank. The used oil is utilized as an alternative fuel
supply for the asphalt plant. All tanks containing asphalt cement and used oil are
located within a concrete secondary containment area.
All tanks are registered with MPCA’s Storage Tank Program. MPCA Site ID 51999
is for the asphalt plant and MPCA Site ID 55016 is for the sand and gravel operation.
Small amounts of chemicals utilized by the QM Lab are regulated by Washington
County under United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules. EPA ID
Number MND 981 953 417 has been issued for the site which is classified as a Very
Small Quantity Generator.
14. Contingency Response Plan: The site operates under a SPCC Plan which is on file
with the City of Scandia.
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15. Added Provisions: The operator will comply with other such reasonable
requirements that the City may find necessary to adopt for the protection of health,
safety and welfare and/or prevention of nuisance.
16. Processing: The site operates permanent processing equipment as defined by
Ordinance No. 103 in accordance with all Federal, State and City air and water
quality and noise standards. Processing equipment is screened from view from other
properties and adjacent roads. Portable crushing equipment is placed on the floor of
the facility and setbacks per Ordinance No. 103 are maintained between the
processing equipment and the property lines.
17. Recycling: Recycling activity at the facility meets all applicable standards contained
in Section 7.1 (1) of Ordinance No, 103.
A Solid Waste Storage Facility license that authorizes the storage of unprocessed
concrete, concrete products and brick and a Recycling Facility license that
authorizes the storage and processing of recycled asphalt products are reissued
annually to Tiller by Washington County. General and Specific Conditions are
established for each license and are reviewed on an annual basis and may include
an annual inspection completed by the County.
A copy of the Annual Report to Washington County is available upon request.
18. Trucking Operations: The site has access to County Road 15 (Manning Trail N.),
County Road 91 (Lofton Avenue N.) and 218th Street North. These are hard-surfaced
roads.
19. Asphalt Plants: The site operates a permanent asphalt plant and the plant was in
operation at the time the City adopted its mining ordinance. Therefore, the plant may
expand in the future subject to the setbacks set forth in Section 7.1(1) of Ordinance
No. 103. The plant operates in accordance with all Federal, State, and City air, water
and noise quality standards.
B. Compliance with Conditions of the CUP
1. Updated Copy of Application Material: A completed bound book that includes all of
the information and plans submitted to the City during the CUP process was
previously submitted and is on file at the City.
2. Watershed District Permit: The Watershed District Permit, P08-003, was revised in
2019 to align the permit with the City’s annual review process and eliminate a 5-
year term on the permit. The revisions to the permit were approved by District
Managers during their February 13, 2019 Regular Meeting.
3. Monitoring Wells: All required monitoring wells have been installed.
To accommodate the advancement of mining, PZ-4 was properly sealed in May
2020. In preparation of sealing PZ-4, a staff gauge was installed in the groundwater
pond to continue routine water level monitoring. Figure 2, Site Plan illustrates the
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location of the new staff gauge. A copy of the Well and Boring Sealing Record is on-
file with the City.
4. Groundwater Monitoring Plan: A monitoring plan with protocols is on file with the
City.
5. Excavation Below Water Table: In 2020, excavation into the groundwater table
occurred in order to meet the gradation requirements of the final products. The depth
of excavation in 2020 was to an elevation of approximately 882 feet amsl. This is
above the permitted maximum depth of excavation to an elevation of 865 feet amsl
established in previous AOP’s. Excavation into the groundwater table is not
anticipated in 2021. If excavation into the groundwater table occurs in 2021, it will
occur within the 2021 Potential Mining Area as depicted on Figure 2, Site Plan. Water
level data is collected on an on-going basis and submitted annually to the City (see
Table 1).
6. Production Well Records: Records of the production well are kept. They are
summarized on Table 3.
7. Groundwater Analysis: Groundwater samples were analyzed for DRO as indicated
in the groundwater monitoring plan. Table 2 summarizes the results of the required
groundwater monitoring. DRO was not detected in any of the monitoring wells.
Results have been supplied to the City. Currently, no gasoline is stored on site. If
gasoline is stored on-site in the future, GRO will be added to the analyte list.
8. MN County Well Index: A figure which illustrates the site and MN County Index wells
is on file at the City.
9. Setback from Proposed Lake: The asphalt plant and related structures will be
setback at least 100 feet from the edge of the water body that will be created as part
of mining operations.
10. Lake Depth: The maximum excavation into the water table will be no more than 50
feet. The permitted maximum depth of excavation established in previous AOPs is
to an elevation of 865 feet amsl.
11. Truck Hauling Signs: Washington County has posted Lofton and Manning Avenues
per their requirements. Tiller has posted signs on 218th Street per City of Scandia
requirements.
At the request of the City, Tiller made application to Washington County to install a
“No Engine Braking” sign on northbound Manning Trail North near the entrance to
the site to address an increase in concerns over engine braking on Manning Trail
North. Washington County authorized the sign, and the sign was installed early
September 2020. Since the site typically operates seasonally, it is installed only
during the construction season and, at the County’s request, removed during the off-
season.
12. Lofton/Hwy 97 Intersection: Tiller Corporation restricts importing add-rock from
Lofton Ave. N. during non-daylight hours as defined in their CUP.
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13. 228th Street Sign: Tiller Corporation has posted a sign at the Lofton Ave. N. exit that
restricts trucks from using 228th Street.
14. Reclamation and Sequencing Plan: A Reclamation Plan and Phasing Plan is on-file
with the City. Current reclamation progress is indicated on Figure 2, Site Plan,
submitted with this AOP application.
C. Annual Activity
1. Amount of material removed from the site: Approximately 300,000 tons of material was
removed in 2020.
2. Amount of add-rock brought onto the site: Approximately 61,000 tons of Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D add-rock were imported to the site in 2020.
3. Area reclaimed and type of reclamation: Reclamation activities in 2020 included
placement of overburden and suitable fill material along the slopes of the mining area
north of the Scandia Mine/Dresel Mine common mining border. The completed and
ongoing reclamation areas are indicated on Figure 2, Site Plan.
Ongoing reclamation activities are anticipated in the southern portion of the Site,
immediately north and west of the common mining border and within the east half of
the mining area, south of the common mining border during 2021. These areas are
shown on Figure 2, Site Plan as 2021 Potential Reclamation Activity. Some of the
areas shown as potential reclamation will also see active mining during 2021. Once
mining is complete, reclamation may advance into these areas during 2021.
4. Average number of trips hauling material to and from the site per day for the season:
The average number of trucks travelling to and from the site per day in 2020 was
approximately 184 trucks per day.
D. Description of operating conditions planned for the coming year:
During the 2021 mining season, the site will continue to operate as it has in the past. The
mining operation includes the removal of overburden, excavation of sand and gravel,
crushing, washing, screening, stockpiling, and recycling of concrete and asphalt products.
Portable crushing, washing and screening plants are brought to the site periodically and
material is excavated, processed, and stockpiled. Asphalt is produced and sold throughout
the construction season and add rock materials are delivered to the site as needed.
The 2021 production schedule anticipates mining and processing in 2021. The exact area
of excavation will depend on the required gradation of the end products. Mining anticipated
during 2021 will occur within the 2021 Potential Mining Area and some of the Potential
Reclamation Areas as indicated on Figure 2, Site Plan.
Aerial Photo: Figure 1, Aerial Photo, is attached which includes a December 8, 2020 aerial
photo and identifies the Mining Limit, the Tiller Mine property boundary and the Dresel
Mine property boundary.
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Site Plan: Figure 2, Site Plan, is attached which illustrates the potential active mining area
in 2021, potential reclamation activity in 2021, the stockpile and processing area,
reclaimed areas and the current limits of excavation into groundwater.
Reclamation: Ongoing reclamation activities are anticipated in the southern portion of the
Site and along the slope north and west of the common mining border during 2021. These
areas are shown on Figure 2, Site Plan as 2021 Potential Reclamation Activity.
Operating Conditions for 2021: The 2021 production schedule anticipates mining and
processing during 2021. Mining will occur within the 2021 Potential Mining Area as
indicated on Figure 2, Site Plan. The exact area of excavation will depend on the required
gradation of the end products.
E. Inspection:
The City conducts an annual inspection of the site. The last inspection occurred on
October 16, 2020.
III. CERTIFICATION
I certify that the plans, specifications or reports for the
above described facility were prepared by me or under my
direct supervision and that I am a duly Registered
Professional Engineer under the laws of the State of
Minnesota.
Kirsten Pauly
Date: January 26, 2021 Reg. No. 21842
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Table 1: Scandia Groundwater Elevation Data
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Table 1: Scandia Groundwater Elevation Data
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Table 2: Water Quality Monitoring Results
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Table 2: Water Quality Monitoring Results
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Table 3: Production Well Records
TILLER MINE
MINING
LIMITS
MINING
LIMITS
MINING
LIMITS
DRESEL
MINE
COMMON MINING
BORDER
Engineering, PLLC.
Sunde
Figure 1
Aerial Photo
Annual Operating Permit
Aerial image from Kespry Aerial Photo (collected via UAV
on December 8, 2020) over active portions of Mine and
Washington County 2019 over remaining areas.
100'
50'PEMBgPEMBPEMBPEMBPEMCPSS1BPEMBPUBGPEMBPEMCPEMBPEMBPEMBPSS1BPEMCPEMCxPEMBPEMCPEMCPUBGPUBGPFO1CPEMCPSS1/3BPEM/SS1BPEMCPEMAPEMCPEMCPEMCPEMBPEMB SS1PSS1BPEMCPEMCPSS1BPEMCPEMCPUBG218TH ST. N.PSSIBPEMFPEMCPEMCSTOCKPILE ANDPROCESSINGAREA(Future Mining)RECLAIMEDAREARECLAIMEDAREARECLAIMEDAREAMININGLIMITSSCREENING BERMLOCKINGGATEMININGLIMITSMININGLIMITSRECLAIMEDAREAHAUL RD. TOLOFTON AVE.DRESEL MINETILLER MINECOMMON MINING BORDERCURRENT LIMITSOF EXCAVATIONINTOGROUNDWATER2021 POTENTIALMINING AREA2021 POTENTIALMINING AREAHAULROADLOCKINGGATELOCKINGGATE SCREENING BERMMaintain 50'Wetland Setback2021 POTENTIALRECLAMATIONAREAMaintain 50'Wetland Setback2021 POTENTIAL RECLAMATION AREA -INCLUDES RECLAMATION OF A PORTIONOF THE GROUNDWATER PONDCURRENT LIMITSOF EXCAVATIONINTOGROUNDWATERPZ-4 WAS SEALEDMAY 2020STAFF GAUGEINSTALLED ATNORTH END OFGROUNDWATERPONDMW-1PZ-5PZ-4SCALE HOUSEWELLPZ-6PZ-3PRODUCTIONWELLNOTES:1.TOPOGRAPHY WITHIN MINE LIMITS FROM 12/20/20 UMV FLIGHT.REMAINING TOPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION FROM 2011LiDARELEVATION, TWIN CITIES METRO REGION, MINNESOTA 2.SETBACKS. THE FOLLOWING MINING SETBACKS WILL BE MAINTAINED:SHEET NO:DATE:DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY:SCALE:APPROVED BY:PROJECT NO.:REG. NO.:DATE:I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PLAN,SPECIFICATION, OR REPORT WAS PREPAREDBY ME OR UNDER MY DIRECT SUPERVISIONAND THAT I AM A DULY LICENSEDPROFESSIONAL ENGINEER UNDER THE LAWSOF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.DESCRIPTION:INFORMATION:REVISIONDATEEngineering, PLLC.CONSULTING CIVIL ENGINEERS10830 NESBITT AVENUE SOUTHBLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA 55437(952) 881-3344 TELEPHONE(952) 881-1913 FAXwww.sundecivil.comSundeKirsten Pauly 93-253KPGraphic12/28/16KP1 of 1Figure 2218421/18/2021SITE PLANTILLERCORPORATIONSCANDIA,MINNESOTA·50' FROM PROPERTY LINE·200' FROM OCCUPIED STRUCTURES·100' FROM ANY CONTIGUOUS PROPERTY SUBDIVIDEDINTO RESIDENTIAL LOTS OF FIVE (5) ACRES OR LESS(NOT APPLICABLE)·100' FROM ROAD R-O-WPROCESSING AREA SHOWN REFLECTS CURRENTCONDITION. PROCESSING AREAS WILL CHANGEWITH THE PROGRESSION OF MINING. MULTIPLEPROCESSING OPERATIONS MAY BE LOCATEDTHROUGHOUT THE PROCESSING AREA ORAREAS. CERTAIN PROCESSING OPERATIONSREQUIRE EQUIPMENT TO BE PLACED NEAR THEVARIOUS MATERIALS NEEDED TO MAKE SPECIFICPRODUCTS AND OTHER PROCESSINGOPERATIONS NEED TO BE PLACED IN A MANNERTHAT AVOIDS CONFLICTS WITH THE ACTUALMINING.2021ANNUALOPERATORS PERMITADDITIONAL MINING MAY BE REQUIRED INPOTENTIAL RECLAMATION AREAS.