Mining permit approved near Starved Rock

The LaSalle County Board has approved a special use permit for mining east of Starved Rock State Park.  The special use permit comes with some conditions.  Mississippi Sand has to give advance warning to the neighbors when it will blast in the mine, it has to try to coordinate different truck traffic schedules during big attraction events at the state park, and it must guarantee minimum home values or pay the difference if the neighbors' property values fall.  Mississippi Sand has agreed to buy the homes closest to the mine site, if the owners want to sell.