Below are independent notes prepared by Oko Environmental, LLC from the fact-finding meeting. These notes are provided for public information and transparency and do not replace official records maintained by Springfield Charter Township.
Date: September 30, 2025
Attendees:
- Ric Davis, Township Supervisor
- Sean Miller, Township Clerk
- Sarah Richmond, Park and Recreation Director
- Gerald Fischer, Township Special Counsel
- Kara Okonewski, Oko Environmental
- Chris Todd, Resident
- Amanda Gruzin, Resident
- Dave van Haaren, Triterra Environmental, Director
- Meredeth Crane, Triterra Environmental, Natural Resources Division
- Julia Upfal, Giffels Webster, Township Planning Consultant
- Joelle Talerico, Clerk’s Assistant/Recording Secretary
Key Points:
- Supervisor Ric Davis led the meeting, outlining that consultant interviews are part of a broader process to gather factual data to inform the Planning Commission’s decision on whether the Levy/Burroughs gravel mine application would result in “very serious consequences” under Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act.
- Triterra representatives:
- Dave Van Haaren, founder and environmental consultant with 30 years’ experience (brownfield redevelopment, remediation, due diligence).
- Meredith Crane, natural resources specialist (wetland delineation, NEPA compliance, endangered species, and stormwater management).
- Triterra reps emphasized their independence (no prior affiliation with Levy or Burroughs Mining) and described their services in environmental review, brownfield work, and regulatory compliance.
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 or obtaining the meeting’s audio recording.
- NATURAL FEATURES AND WETLANDS:
- Triterra would review the applicant’s natural resource studies and assess whether recommended protections for wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife are sufficient.
- Ms. Crane explained that wetland delineations could be verified through EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program, although it’s a lengthy process (about six months).
- SUPERFUND SITE
- The Superfund site is about one mile southeast of the proposed mine.
- Discussion focused on possible impacts from mine dredging and excavation on groundwater contamination.
- Triterra stated they could review contamination data, analyze groundwater flow, and advise on mitigation strategies in coordination with a hydrologist.
- HYDROLOGY & WATER IMPACTS
- Triterra has a hydrogeologist on staff and could evaluate hydrology reports, but detailed groundwater modeling would fall under a dedicated hydrologist’s expertise.
- Ms. Crane could cross-reference hydrology findings with prairie fen studies from MSU or MNFI to interpret ecological risk, with help from outside experts.
- **Note: The Township already has hydrology/hydrogeology/geology expertise with Mike Wilczynski & Brian O’Mara. They were not present at this meeting.
- DUST & AIR QUALITY
- Triterra can develop a Health & Safety Plan and monitor dust and air particulates, including potential silica.
- Supervisor Davis and Clerk Miller discussed the value of air monitoring at existing gravel mines.
- Triterra recommended hiring a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) for comprehensive dust and air-quality evaluation.
- NOISE & VIBRATION
- Triterra does not perform noise or vibration studies directly but could coordinate with others who do.
- ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS
- Discussion covered prairie fens, bat habitats, and tree canopy removal.
- Ms. Crane noted that removing ten or more acres of trees requires bat species surveys.
- Coordination with Giffels Webster’s landscape architect was suggested to address replanting and soil management concerns.
- SPECIFIC CONCERNS RAISED BY OKO ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESIDENTS
- Kara Okonewski asked about analyzing secondary or indirect impacts and working outside parcel boundaries (for Superfund implications).
- Triterra stated they typically work within parcel limits but could extend off-site if granted permission.
- Ms. Crane acknowledged indirect impacts aren’t usually requested but said she is willing to develop that scope.
- Oko Environmental also raised issues of arsenic, sulfates, and nitrates, to which Triterra confirmed they regularly test for arsenic and could handle other parameters via their remediation team.
- Oko Environmental asked Triterra if they had experience in expert witness testimony for litigation – Triterra said no.
- Amanda Gruzin supported independent air monitoring and suggested involving MNFI for flora and fauna studies.
- Residents and Director Richmond emphasized protecting the Long Lake Fen Complex, Michigan’s top-rated prairie fen ecosystem.
- Kara Okonewski asked about analyzing secondary or indirect impacts and working outside parcel boundaries (for Superfund implications).
Meeting Conclusion:
In conclusion, this meeting reflected the active diligence of Springfield Township officials as they continue coordinating with environmental experts to ensure that all potential impacts of the proposed mining operation—both on-site and off-site—are thoroughly evaluated. Springfield Township is home to unique ecological features that are essential to many of Michigan’s flora and fauna. The township has made a continuous effort to protect its natural resources and wildlife, recognizing that understanding the dynamic relationships between species and habitats is complex and requires careful, ongoing study. Springfield supports year-round endangered species as well as migratory species that depend on its diverse habitats. The interconnected systems of water, earth, flora, and fauna create a delicate web of relationships that can easily be disturbed by anthropogenic, or human-made, activities.