The town of Piedmont is once again at the center of a land development dispute—this time over a proposed limestone mine that would span property both inside city limits and adjacent land in Meade County, which lacks a zoning ordinance.
Efforts by Piedmont leaders to assert more control over development, as seen in 2023 during debate over an apartment complex, have faced pushback from county residents opposed to zoning regulations. That tension resurfaced during a packed city meeting on Tuesday, where residents voiced strong opposition to the mining project.
Concerns raised included potential contamination of wells and the water table, increased noise and dust, health risks, air quality issues, road damage, proximity to Piedmont Valley Elementary School, and negative impacts on property values and future growth.
Several State lawmakers attended the meeting, and cited South Dakota Law 45-6, which governs sand and gravel mining, and acknowledged claims that the law has been weakened, making it easier for companies to mine across the state.
The delegation pledged to take these concerns to Pierre and work on legislation to tighten regulations around such developments. Meanwhile, Piedmont city officials believe their zoning codes will prevent mining within city boundaries.
SIMON Contractors of South Dakota, is the company proposing the mining operation.
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