Washington County Accuses Dirt Mine of Operating Without a Permit in Wedington Woods Area
In a recent development, Washington County has accused a dirt mine operation of violating zoning laws by operating without the required permit in the Wedington Woods area. Residents have been vocal about their concerns, citing a lack of transparency in the mine’s expansion plans.
At the heart of the controversy is a red dirt mine that covers approximately 60 acres east of Harmon Road, near the Wedington Woods subdivision. Despite a long history of permits, the mine is now under fire for allegedly not complying with current regulations.
When the mine’s permit was initially approved in 2019, the Washington County Planning Board passed the measure with a 5-1 vote. However, the county has since transferred the permit to Eco-Friendly, and residents feel that this transition has led to a lack of accountability.
One of the main points of contention revolves around the impact of the mine on local residents and the environment. Wedington Woods residents claim that the mine’s operation has significant environmental implications, particularly in terms of stormwater management. Despite these concerns, the county currently does not require a stormwater permit for the operation.
The matter has reached the courts, with a complaint filed in the Arkansas Circuit Court of Washington County. This legal action alleges that the mine’s operation is non-conforming vis-a-vis the county’s zoning laws. The court will need to weigh the mine’s compliance with local rules and regulations in its verdict.
As tensions between the county and the dirt mine continue to rise, residents are calling for greater transparency and accountability. With the legal battle underway, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what its implications will be for the Wedington Woods area.
