Waterford MN Conservation Society

05/05/2026

The public comment period is now open for the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed limestone quarry in Waterford Township, just north of Northfield. All comments are due by May 11. You have one more week.

This is a major industrial proposal. It would use up to 10.8 million gallons of water per day, a level far greater than other large water users proposed in the region, including data centers and water bottling facilities.

All of us in Waterford, and many in the area, rely on private wells for drinking water. Any disruption, depletion, or contamination of groundwater would not be temporary—it could have long-term impacts on public health, property values, and the security of our local water supply. The EIS appears to downplay these risks, and the impacts on surface water are also not fully addressed, despite the fact that pumped groundwater must ultimately be discharged somewhere.

Beyond water impacts, this project would bring significant increases in truck traffic, noise, vibration, and dust—changes that would permanently affect the rural character of the community. Airborne particulate matter is also a concern, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with respiratory conditions.

The cumulative impact discussion is also limited. While there are other quarries in the area, those operations are much shallower and do not involve blasting or dewatering. This proposal could significantly change the long-term environmental balance of the region, and that broader picture needs stronger analysis.

This quarry is proposed on the Tom Devney farm, and the primary financial beneficiaries appear to be the landowners and Bryan Rock Products. The broader community—not the developers—would carry the environmental, infrastructure, safety and quality-of-life impacts.

This is the key moment for public input. Once the May 11 deadline passes, it becomes much harder to influence the proposal and mitigation plans.

If you are able, please take time to review the documents. If you have any issues with the proposal, submit a comment. Don't forget to include any reference links or documents you relied on to draft and support your comment.

🔗 https://waterfordtownshipmn.gov/
📩 Comments: [email protected]

03/03/2026

For those of you who live in Waterford Township:
Waterford has moved to voting by mail only. There will be NO voting in person at the Sciota Town Hall.
If you would like to vote in person, this can be done at 1590 Hwy 55, Ste 2300, Hastings, MN 55033.
You can find the details at MNvotes.gov

From the Waterford Township Website:

Each registered voter was mailed a ballot on February 6, 2026. Ballots may be returned by mail or in person to Dakota County. Eligible voters who are not registered may apply for a ballot. A registered voter who will be absent from the precinct may apply to receive the ballot at a temporary address. Requests may be made online at MNVotes.gov or by contacting Dakota County Elections at
[email protected] or 651-438-4305.

If you have any issues, you must contact Dakota County Elections, not the Town Clerk or this email address.


Cameron Cornick is running for Town Supervisor.
From Cameron: My name is Cameron Cornick. I am running for township supervisor to support my local community. I work as an electronics designer for Broadcom. I am married to Ashlyn Cornick and together we have two wonderful little boys. I grew up in small-town Iowa where I played and officiated hockey. We are absolutely over the moon with our place here in Waterford Township, and I look forward to being the best steward I can be for our community.

Tom Davis is running for Town Clerk. Tom is the current Town Clerk.

Please vote!
The results will be announced at the TOWNSHIP ANNUAL MEETING
Tuesday, March 10th
Prairie Creek Community School
27695 Denmark Avenue
Northfield, MN
8:15-9:30 PM

Office of the State Of Minnesota Secretary of State

12/02/2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

‼️ Wednesday, Dec 3rd, 6pm
PUBLIC HEARING on
Waterford Township MINING ORDINANCE ‼️

Waterford Township will be hosting a PUBLIC HEARING on the community proposed MINING ORDINANCE this Wednesday at the Sciota Town Hall.

It is important you SHOW UP and SPEAK UP. Let the Planning Commission and Township Board hear you. Bring your comments in writing and when you have finished your say, please give to the Township Clerk for accurate inclusion in the meeting minutes.

Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person.

If you cannot attend, please email your comments to the Township Clerk at: [email protected].

10/08/2025

🚨 Waterford Township Board and Planning Commission Meeting –
THIS THURSDAY, 10/09/2025
@ 7 PM 🚨
📍 Sciota Town Hall

09/09/2025

🚨 Waterford Township Public Hearing – THIS THURSDAY @ 5 PM 🚨
📍 Sciota Town Hall

The Township Board & Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to review the revised Mining Ordinance — created with input from local residents.
📢 We need community members to attend and speak!

🕔 Public Hearing: 5:00 PM
🕖 Township Board Meeting follows at 7:00 PM

✅ Each speaker gets 3 minutes — please focus on your top concern
📝 Bring your comments in writing
✉️ Can’t attend? Email your statement to: [email protected]

📌 Common concerns include:
– No exceptions for unapproved mining applications
– No dewatering or blasting
– Protect agricultural land
– Well water quality + remediation
– Wildlife, noise, air pollution, traffic, property values, sinkholes

This is your chance to be heard. Show up. Speak up. Or send your comments by email.

Let’s make sure our community’s voice is on the record. 💬