Subject: Opposition to Proposed Levy/Burroughs Gravel Mine
Dear Supervisor Davis and Township Officials,
On behalf of the Southeast Michigan Sierra Club, I write to express our concerns and opposition to the proposed Levy/Burroughs sand and gravel mining operation along Ormond Road. Our position is based on the serious risks this project poses to residents, the environment, and the character of Springfield Township.
The proposed mine threatens the health, safety, and quality of life of the community. Dust, noise, truck traffic, and risks to groundwater endanger residents’ homes and wells, while transparency has been lacking with limited public notice. Although the parcel is zoned R1A, the surrounding area is characterized by residential neighborhoods, protected green space, local sports fields, a library, and elementary schools. A large-scale mining operation is wholly inconsistent with these existing community uses and with the values and character expressed in the Township’s master planning. The site also lies across two major watersheds, the Huron and the Shiawassee. Mining could lower the water table, disrupt wetlands, and impair water quality downstream. There are wetlands and unique geohydrological features nearby needing protection.
Equally concerning are the potential impacts on the local, county, state, and MetroParks in the area, including your township's own Shiawassee Basin Preserve, River Run Preserve, and Hartman Meadows. These parks are central to the county and township’s identity, providing ecological protection, recreation, and quality of life for residents. A large mining operation so close by would bring dust, noise, traffic, and hydrological disruption that could diminish the health and enjoyment of these public resources.
It is also important to note that Rose Township has already issued a formal letter opposing this mine, citing similar environmental, traffic, and quality-of-life concerns. Their opposition underscores that the negative consequences of this project will not stop at Springfield’s borders but will ripple through neighboring communities as well. In addition, White Lake Township, the Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy, the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, and the Holly Area School District have also submitted letters of concern or opposition. The diversity of these voices, ranging from neighboring municipalities and conservation organizations to an educational institution, demonstrates the widespread recognition that this mine poses risks far beyond its immediate footprint.
Michigan law requires that mining projects not result in very serious consequences to be approved. Based on existing reviews, this proposal does not meet that standard. Key concerns, including silica dust, watershed degradation, and parkland impacts, remain unresolved, and proposed mitigation is inadequate.
For these reasons, we urge the Township to deny or defer approval of this proposal, require comprehensive independent studies of its environmental and community impacts, and broaden notification and transparency so all residents can weigh in. We stress independent and transparent since we are already hearing from residents that this may not be happening. Our political committee will be watching this process closely and consider it in making future endorsements.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to protecting the people, resources, and character of Springfield Township.
Sincerely yours,
Southeast Michigan Group
Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club