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The county commissioners unanimously declared a property in Rushseba Township to be a public health hazard and last week they ordered the process of cleanup to begin.  

Commissioner Dan Dahlberg, who represents the area where the property is located, said, “This looks like a disaster area....it didn’t get like this overnight” adding he gets calls about the property.  He said he is especially concerned about run-off from potentially hazardous substances that almost certainly ends up in a creek at the property.  

Even though an early August visit shows the landowners have made a small dent in reducing the accumulation of debris, appliances,  and waste items, it is time to take action, Dahlberg stated.

A couple neighbors commented during the public hearing, required for the owners’ notification and to grant the county the authority to assess costs back in taxes.  They testified this “situation has been going on since 2018,” and rules need to be enforced to protect their enjoyment of their land as well as protect the environment.

Owner David Anderson told the County Board the neighbors are the trouble-makers. He argued that one is trying to get ownership of Anderson’s parcel and wants to run him off. 

Anderson claimed he did not know who deposited the hundreds of tires that county staff have photographed at the property.  He said he cuts tires into pieces and recycles them at Nelson’s in Pine City.  As far as complaints about burning, Anderson stated he has not been cited by any sheriff deputies who follow-up on calls.

Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider said the county has a couple quotes of $1,400 to seal the well and $6,300 for hauling using a 52 yard bin.  The well at this time is unregistered with the Health Department.  Partial registration paperwork for the well has been completed, depending on who is asked, so if it gets inspected and is approved, the well cost may be reduced. 

The county will charge back any costs related to the parcel abatement,  and in the event the property is ever sold, closing will require the county lien to be satisfied.

Schneider added that “...hopefully the owner will collaborate with the county” to achieve the cleanup.  It is not known what may be uncovered as waste items are taken away to be properly handled.

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The other public hearing that was scheduled for the Board meeting was about data centers, or high utility use developments.  The Board voted to impose a one year moratorium on applications.

Data centers need to be defined and conditions need to be drafted and reviewed to control possible negative effects.

Assistant County Attorney Jeffrey Fuge explained the moratorium is not hand-cuffed to being one year in length,  and at any time the county planning commission arrives at a well-worded ordinance it wishes to recommend, the commissioners can convene a public hearing.

The county planning commission will take the lead on writing ordinance language that will specifically address high utility use projects.  This effort addresses only the areas of the county where the county has zoning jurisdiction.

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