FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

VIRGINIA - St. Louis County Planning commissioners permited a new expansion to a gravel pit in Fredenberg Township on Thursday.

That's a problem for neighbors who've called the area a "dustbowl from day one".
Dandelions cover Paul Olson's backyard but he says dust covers more.

He alleges it's coming from next door's Solid Rock Sand and Gravel Pit.

That business is planning expansions while neighbors increase their complaint-making.

"One lady in our group has had six windshields replaced in the last two years. Six. It's tough to say it's coming from them but the reality is their part of the problem," Olson said.

The complaints from neighbors culminate on Thursday at a St. Louis County Planning Commission meeting.

Kathy Grubb, however, speaks for the company and says the anger is misdirected from highway construction projects and a previous owner.

"But I think the gentleman we bought the pit from, it was a family feud and we got the brunt of it. I don't know all the details on it but that's my feeling," Grubb said.

Commissioners voted unanimously for the expansion that could bring about 200 trucks to the area a day.

They cite that all permits are in order.

In Fredenberg Township, Olson can't say he's completely upset with the outcome.

"One is they did reduce the hours of operation by two hours so they have to stop operating by 6 p.m.," Olson said.

Neighbors, however, say they plan to push for punishments if the company breaks any of the new conditions.

If you have any questions or tips about this story, click here to contact Reporter Jacob Kittilstad.