Algoma Rural Residents Association
Algoma Rural Residents Association
Protecting property rights.
Supporting rural preservation.
Join us in our mission to promote the common good and general welfare of the rural residents of Algoma Township, including through the protection of property rights and areas planned for rural and natural preservation. Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding the character of our township for future generations.
About Us
The Algoma Rural Residents Association (ARRA) is dedicated to serving the rural residents of Algoma Township. We believe that residents are entitled to be free from unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of their property, and we support the Algoma Township Master Plan's establishment of rural and natural preservation areas. Our goal is to raise awareness, encourage community engagement, and foster a sense of responsibility towards our neighbors and this special area we call home.
Current Issues
A sand and gravel mine proposed at Algoma Ave. and Indian Lakes Road will have very serious consequences for residents.
Currently, Algoma Township residents living in an area zoned Residential/Agricultural and earmarked for rural and natural preservation under the Master Plan are facing a mining company's proposal to engage in sand and gravel mining, aggregate sales, and industrial processing operations in their neighborhood. While we are not opposed to mineral resource extraction, if the Township approves the mining operation as it has been proposed, it would have significant adverse impacts on Algoma Township residents. A few facts about the proposed mining operation:
To better protect Algoma Township residents and their property rights, where mining operations are proposed as a special use, ARRA supports the following:
Extraction Only.
Where a mining operation is approved as a special use in the agricultural/residential zoning district, the approval should be limited to extraction of the sand and gravel at the site. Importation of offsite materials, dumping of waste concrete and asphalt, and crushing operations should not be permitted.
Effective Mitigation.
Noise, dust, vibration, and all other adverse impacts of the mining operations should be fully analyzed prior to any special use approval, and all offsite impacts should be fully mitigated through techniques that have been demonstrated to be effective.
Limited Duration.
Any approval of mining operations as a special use should include a total duration that is not be extended or renewed. A restrictive covenant should be required to ensure compliance with the agreed-upon deadlines.
Reasonable Setbacks.
Setbacks for mining operations should be a minimum of 200 feet from property lines and rights-of-way and 500 feet from principal buildings and dwellings to better protect the property rights of nearby residents and landowners.
Ongoing Monitoring.
Ongoing noise, air, and groundwater monitoring should be required through the life of the mine to evaluate impacts and ensure compliance.
Meaningful Reclamation.
Mine operators and site owners should be required to commit to and assure meaningful reclamation when mining activities are complete, including a bond that is demonstrated to be sufficient to complete the work.
Why you should care.
As the draft Algoma Township Master Plan acknowledges, "Algoma Township is home to deposits of sand and gravel, which may be attractive to mineral resource extraction operations," and how the Township deals with this application could set a precedent for future gravel mine proposals. If you live near a farm, an undeveloped tract of land, or a road that could be used as a haul route, you could be impacted by a mining operation. Now is the time to support reasonable requirements to promote the effective mitigation of impacts from mine operations, including through setbacks, landscaping, operational conditions, and monitoring.
You can make a difference.
Here's how you can help.
Attend Algoma Township meetings.
Sign up to receive electronic notice of Planning Commission and Township Board meetings and agendas and attend the meetings.
Submit a comment.
Participate in public comment at the Township meetings or submit a written comment in advance of the meeting. Some comments you may consider submitting are those listed here. We will also circulate information to ARRA members.
Sign our petition.
Sign our petition supporting reasonable requirements to help mitigate offsite impacts from mining operations that can adversely affect other residents' property rights. Download, sign, and return the petition to: AlgomaRRA@gmail.com
Join ARRA.
Support our cause and become an ARRA member by submitting your information below.
Support Our Cause
Join Our Community
Support our mission by becoming a member of the Algoma Rural Residents Association. Join us by completing the information below.