ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Army Corps of Engineers said it’s reviewing the Winona County decision against trucking river-bottom muck to a ridge-top quarry from the Homer storage area just downriver from Winona. “We are aware of Winona County’s decision and are currently reviewing it,” said Corps spokesman Patrick Moes. “We hope to continue working with our community partners as we develop a long-term solution to the dredged material needs within the region.” At the same time, the Corps maintains it doesn’t need county permission. As a federal agency the Corps claims it’s exempt from local zoning. Applying for local permits is a courtesy, the Corps contends. The County has countered that the Corps’ quarry plan overlooked that the Yaedtke Pit is privately owned and thereby subject to the county’s legal authority.
River-bottom mud. Piled high at Homer riverfront just off Highway 61.