IHCC sharing new resources as AAOM prepares to resubmit application for Watkins Lake adjacent mine
Map prepared by Irish Hills Concerned Citizens, released September 9, 2026.
by Sara Swanson
Irish Hills Concerned Citizens (IHCC) a nonprofit grassroots group organized formed in January to oppose a proposed gravel mine which would border Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, reported last week that American Aggregates of Michigan (AAOM), the mining company, is preparing to resubmit its comprehensive zoning and site application to Norvell Township. IHCC reports that they have assembled new online resources to help residents understand the proposal and participate effectively in the review process.
The proposed 625-acre heavy industrial aggregate sand and gravel mine sits directly on the border of Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve, a designated Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Waterfowl Refuge. The mining company has stated that the mine would generate 18 travel trucks an hour, 10+ hours a day. The proposed haul route runs through a second state park in our area, Hayes State Park, as well as residential areas.
“Once the township receives the new package, the clock starts ticking,” stated IHCC president Sybil Kolon. “The community will have a short time to review the new proposal, while the township’s consultants are reviewing it. A public hearing will be scheduled soon after the township determines that the proposal is complete. Now is the time to make a plan to present your public comment.”
In anticipation of the filing, the IHCC Board is encouraging residents to prepare their public comments using objective, measurable information rather than emotional rhetoric. “We are suggesting that our community should focus heavily on the state’s legal standard of ‘Very Serious Consequences’,” IHCC vice president Andy Buchsbaum stated. “We need every property owner and neighbor to identify their primary, specific concern, whether it is impacts to local parks and nearby properties, traffic safety, property values, or health concerns, and describe exactly how they will be affected, citing clear facts and real-world consequences.”
IHCC states that they plan to provide additional guidance for making public comments in the near future.
In addition to preparing for the eventual public hearing, IHCC is encouraging residents and property owners to stay informed and participate in regular Norvell Township meetings as the review process continues. The Township Board meets on the third Monday of every month, and the Planning Commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month.
We reached out to Norvell Township’s supervisor but did not receive a response before publication.
Visit IHCCinfo.org for more information.
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