MOUNT VERNON, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A permit to build a controversial gravel mine was approved last week and the window to appeal the decision is rapidly closing.

Skagit County Hearing Examiner William Nielsen re-approved Concrete Nor’West’s application on June 11, months after the initial approval in February. He called the case an “unusual” one in the decision, for both the timeline and the re-approval process following the previous examiner’s firing.

The site, northwest of Sedro-Woolley, comprises 51 acres of undeveloped forest spread over three parcels of land. According to the prospective Grip Road gravel mine’s plan, 50,000 board feet of timber and resulting tree stumps would be removed, clearing 68 acres. Nielsen’s decision says the proposed mine would remove approximately 4,280,000 yards of gravel over a 25-year period.

Concrete Nor’West has worked to approve the mine since 2016. Since then, years of poor communication and legal back-and-forth’s between parties slowed the approval process.

Hearing Examiner Andrew Reeves was dismissed when his decision lacked analysis and other requirements. Nielsen’s new decision lists conditions on the approval to protect the local environment and preserve quality of life. For example, traffic would have limitations like number of trucks and where they can drive. Noise would be minimized and limited to certain hours of the day. Measures are also supposed to be taken that would protect nearby wetlands and the underground water table.

Nearby residents that formed a coalition opposing the mine have voiced concerns over environmental impacts, noise and safety. Central Samish Valley Neighbors (CSVN) released a statement in June 12, saying that Nielsen’s decision was dismissive and cursory. CSVN has not replied to a request for comment on whether they will appeal the decision.

Appeals on Nielsen’s decision have until next Tuesday, June 25 to be filed.