With site shown above from Schaar’s Bluff at the Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County, the Nelson Backwater Mine proposal was due for review of a resolution to publish the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) Wednesday Oct. 1, after press time. The Nelson Backwater Mine involves a proposal by Holcim (now Amrize) to mine sand and gravel alluvium from a portion of Grey Cloud Island now submerged by Pool 2, a public comment period taking place following submission of the Final EIS to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). A similar review process is underway in regards to proposed expansion of the Larson Quarry on Upper Grey Cloud Island, with review of the Larson Quarry expansion being conducted by Washington County.