LITTLE CEDAR - A quarry in Mitchell County, dormant since 1961, may reopen.

Members of the board of adjustment unanimously approved a special exemption allowance to Ulland Brothers. The company, which is based in Austin, Minn., wants to use rock from the quarry to build access roads for a nearby project to erect a wind turbine.

Officials finalized the allowance following a public hearing attended by about a dozen people. Special conditions apply, however, including limitations on blasting and crushing. The company must also install safety fences and warning signs and test water.

A reclamation process to protect against damage done to homes and property by the operation is also part of the agreement.

Ulland officials said crews will only operate for four to five months. The lease, however, is for two years.

Blasting and crushing can only take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents will be notified before blasting takes place.

"A siren signal will sound before we start any blasting," said Valerie Raverty, aggregate manager for Ulland. "We don't foresee any problem with notifying people with phone calls, either."

Craig White, a resident of Little Cedar, is concerned about damage.

"What if six months after you leave someone's chimney falls off? We want to know who is responsible," he said.

Raverty said the company is liable under the reclamation process.

Dave Falk of St. Ansgar talked about road damage. His company, L.R. Falk Construction, specializes in custom crushing and delivery of limestone products.

"Do the citizens of Little Cedar realize that there will be about 400 trucks per day coming in and out of town?" he asked.

Raverty said Ulland will try to be a good neighbor.

"We will let our drivers know that this is a community with homes and people," she said.

Some were also concerned about water quality, but Mark Ross, director of Mitchell County Planning and Zoning and the county's sanitarian, said a resident can have their water tested at no cost any time.

The board will make a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which will send a recommendation to Mitchell County supervisors for consideration.

Contact David Namanny

at newsroom@wcfcourier.com.