Below are independent notes prepared by Oko Environmental, LLC from the fact-finding meeting. Oko Environmental, LLC is an independent entity and is not contracted, commissioned, endorsed, or engaged in any professional capacity by Springfield Charter Township, Burroughs Materials/Levy, or any of their affiliates. All research, analysis, and summaries provided by Oko Environmental are produced independently and are offered solely for public information and understanding.
Date: November 3, 2025
Attendees:
- Kevin Sclesky, Township Trustee/Planning Commissioner
- Danielle Sink, Supervisor’s Assistant
- Kara Okonewski, Oko Environmental LLC
- Amanda Gruzin, Resident
- Michael Wilczynski, Pangea Environmental LLC
- Brian O’Mara, Agate Harbor Advisors LLC
- Joelle Talerico, Clerk’s Assistant/Recording Secretary
- Chris Comstock, IT Administrator
Key Points:
This summary highlights key discussion points but is not an exhaustive account of the interview. For full context, we recommend reviewing the township’s official summarized minutes.
The meeting was called to order by Trustee Kevin Sclesky, who served as liaison after Supervisor Davis stepped back to avoid any appearance of influencing Planning Commission decisions.
Township experts presented an overview of site geology and hydrology. The proposed mine sits on glacial till and outwash near a moraine and an esker. These materials contain interbedded sands, gravels, and clays that create complex groundwater pathways and perched aquifers.
Sand and gravel deposits form important aquifers in Michigan. Mining activity can alter groundwater gradients, potentially affecting wetlands, private wells, and ecological systems. The proposed site lies less than one mile from a Superfund area with a contaminant plume moving north, meaning groundwater pumping could potentially shift this plume.
Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act allows mine denial only for very serious consequences, such as conflicts with land use, traffic safety concerns, noise, dust, property value impacts, and risks to public health and welfare.
Experts described their current review of the application as a desktop review and identified several major data gaps on top of what Giffels Webster Engineering has already identified. See Township Meeting Minutes notes below for full list.
According to the experts, state permitting requirements for sand and gravel mines are minimal. Potential permits include those related to wetlands, groundwater withdrawal above 70 gallons per minute, air emissions, and soil erosion. Federal rules do not require ambient air monitoring for this type of mining.
The township contains several prairie fens which depend on large and distant recharge areas. Potential impacts to these fens cannot be evaluated until cross-sections and pumping test results are available. Endangered species such as the Poweshiek Skipperling and rare mussels rely on these ecosystems. A new wetland delineation is required because the previous one expired in 2005 and must be conducted during the growing season.
Residents raised concerns about well depths and mapping accuracy, noting that many wells do not appear or are inaccurately recorded on state maps and that driller records are often unreliable. Air quality concerns were discussed, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), diesel exhaust from idling trucks, and Michigan’s newly lowered PM2.5 standard of 9 micrograms per cubic meter.
Inaccuracies were noted on the township’s FAQ page, including the incorrect labeling of Ormond Road as a Class A road. The township acknowledged the need for updates. Officials emphasized that all decisions must be scientifically defensible and based on evidence, and that experts are providing objective evaluations of the application.
The official meeting minutes from Springfield Township can be viewed below or on their website -> HERE