Service
Earth Materials Extraction Permit
When is this permit required?
You must apply for an Earth Materials Extraction Permit if:
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You plan to extract more than 7,000 cubic yards annually or operate for more than two years.
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You are extracting within four feet or below the seasonal high water table.
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Your project may impact wetlands, water bodies, or drinking water sources.
Types of Permits
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Administrative Permit: Less than 7,000 cubic yards annually and less than two years — $1,000 fee.
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Conditional Use Permit: More than 7,000 cubic yards annually or more than two years — $1,500 fee.
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Water Table Extraction Permit: Required for operations near or below the seasonal high water table — $1,500 fee.
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need:
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Site Plan: Drawn to scale, showing boundaries, structures, buffers, wells, septic systems, and drainage.
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Narrative: Describe materials, acreage, volume, schedule, traffic, and mitigation measures.
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Reclamation Plan: As required by MSB 17.28.063 and 17.28.067.
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Monitoring Plan: Especially for water table extraction (see MSB 17.30.037).
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Water Quality Reports: Baseline sampling and ongoing monitoring.
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Insurance Certificates:
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General Liability: $1M–$2M depending on acreage.
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Pollution Liability: $1M minimum.
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Federal & State Permits: Including EPA, ADNR, and Army Corps of Engineers if applicable.
Step 2: Submit Online
Apply through the Borough’s online portal:
👉 Apply Online
Step 3: Borough Review
Staff will review your application and may schedule a public hearing. You’ll be responsible for mailing and advertising fees prior to the hearing.
Special Requirements for Water Table Extraction
If extracting near or below the seasonal high water table:
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Install monitoring wells and test pits.
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Submit groundwater flow and quality data.
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Maintain setbacks from drinking water sources:
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500 ft (downgradient)
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350 ft (cross-gradient)
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200 ft (upgradient)
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Implement spill prevention and containment plans.
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Avoid breaching confined aquifers or confining layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I extract gravel near wetlands or streams?
A: Only with proper permits and hydrologic studies. You may need a Section 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Q: What if my operation is small?
A: You may qualify for an Administrative Permit if under 7,000 cubic yards annually and less than two years.
Q: What happens if I breach a water source?
A: You must notify the Borough within 24 hours and submit a hydrologic assessment within 14 days.
Q: Can this permit transfer to a new owner?
A: Yes, but you must follow MSB 17.30.120 and disclose all permit conditions.
Contact
📍 Development Services Division
📞 (907) 861-7822
✉️ permitcenter@matsugov.us