Scandia allowing more time for review of proposed gravel pit

The city of Scandia is allowing more time for environmental review of a gravel pit proposed for a bluff overlooking the St. Croix River.

Tiller Corporation wants to reopen an old gravel pit, mine the aggregate, and return the land to a more natural state.

Opponents say the land is too close to the St. Croix River, and too environmentally sensitive, to allow more mining.

Tuesday night's city council vote allows Tiller more time to conduct an environmental review. The study has already taken a year and a half.

There's also disagreement over whether the project should be allowed under an expired comprehensive land use plan, or whether the new plan should apply -- which would not allow mining in the area.