PIEDMONT, S.D. – The rural town of Piedmont once again finds itself in the middle of a land development controversy – the kind that happens when no zoning ordinance exists in the county where it’s located – in this case, Meade County.
And when town leaders attempt to gain greater control over the type, size and location of certain developments, as they did in 2023 over the construction of an apartment complex, they are met with opposition from other Meade County residents who don’t support zoning.
So it was anything but a quiet night in the heart of Piedmont, Tuesday, October 21st at 6:30 PM for the City of Piedmont’s regular scheduled meeting. Overflowing with concerned citizens over a planned sand and gravel pit, people filled the room to share their objections.
At issue is a sand and gravel pit to be mined on both property within the Piedmont city limits and contiguous property located in Meade County.
A number of citizens spoke against the project, citing serious problems that they say would cripple the city. This included well and water table contamination, noise, dust and health risks, air quality, damage to roads, proximity to Piedmont Valley Elementary School, residential and new business growth, and property values of homes.
Joining citizens attending were representatives of SD Legislative District 29, including Representative Kathy Rice, Representative Terri Jorgenson, and Senator John Carley. Representative Tim Goodwin of District 30 also attended. All of the representatives citied SD Law 45-6, South Dakota’s laws regarding sand, gravel, and construction aggregate mining.
Some attendees claim those laws have been gutted to the point that the language now allows for pit mining almost anywhere in the state.
The state delegation reassured constituents that they will be taking these concerns to Pierre and will draft legislation that will make it harder for companies to establish operations such as these that can have lasting detrimental effects on the environment, wells, and the overall health of a city.
An attempt to reach out to the SIMON team of Rapid City, was made and a message was left. There has been no comment at this time.
For its part, City of Piedmont Trustees believe the city’s zoning codes will withstand SIMON’S attempt to mine the area of the planned pit that falls within city limits.
A Protect Piedmont’s Future page has been established on Facebook for anyone searching for more information and contact information.
This is a developing story.