Increased mine operations could soon be coming to Grey Cloud Township, pending comment and action on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) application. The Responsible Government Unit (RGU) for the EAW for Larson Quarry Pit is Washington County, designated as such under chapter 7 of the Development Code for undeveloped areas of the county.
A public meeting on the Larson Quarry EAW will be held Thursday, January 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Grey Cloud Township Hall at 9910 Grey Cloud Island Drive South. There will be no formal presentation, with the EAW for the proposed Larson Quarry pit expansion available via weblink at www.WashingtonCountyMN.gov/LarsonQuarrry EAW or in hard copy at Park Grove Library, located at 7900 Hemingway Avenue South in Cottage Grove. The proposed pit expansion would extend useful mine life, currently estimated to be five to seven years in the current site.
Open now through Jan. 17, comment on the Larson Quarry EAW can be made in writing to:
Washington County Public Works North Shop
11660 Myeron Road North
Stillwater, MN 55082,
or via email at PublicWorks@co.washington.mn.us.

Also up for review meanwhile is a proposed move of the mine on Lower Grey Cloud Island to prolong its useful life, owned by the same company and within Cottage Grove city limits.
Known as the Nelson Mine Backwaters Project, the area in question has a project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with link on the city website at https://www.cottagegrovemn.gov/598/Nelson-Mine-Backwaters-Project-EIS
Designated as RGU for the Nelson Mine Backwater Project is the City of Cottage Grove.
The Backwater Project would move the current Nelson Mine southeast into Pool 2 of the Mississippi River, following the island’s historic boundary before it was partially submerged by Pool 2, the expansion site bordered to the north by the Schilling Archaeological District.
Comments on the Nelson Mine Backwater Project opened Dec. 3 and are being accepted through Jan. 17, 2025. An in person public meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the HERO Center, located at 10125 85th Street South in Cottage Grove. Comment on the Environmental Impact Statement can be made in person at the meeting, via email to eis@cottagegrovemn.gov, or by mail to:
Ms. Emily Schmitz, Community Development Director
12800 Ravine Parkway South
Cottage Grove MN 55016