Commissioners frustrated over Shamrock Mine progress

The Dubois County Commissioners mirrored the frustration of landowners entangled in the Shamrock Mine bankruptcy as they discussed the ongoing remediation process at Monday’s regular meeting.

Earlier this year, a plan for the reclamation of the land impacted by the mine was submitted to the Department of Natural Resources for approval. According to County Highway Superintendent Steve Berg, talks over the reclamation plan are ongoing between Michael Costello, a representative for the bonding company, and the Department of Natural Resources.

He told commissioners when he last spoke with a representative of DNR, it was explained they have a punch list of concerns for the plan to be approved.

However, the county commissioners voiced concern that they don’t have a representative at the table during these discussions.

“Any idea why they wouldn’t want us involved in those meetings,” Commissioner Chad Blessinger asked to which Berg said he didn’t think there was anything the commissioners could do at this time.

“Someone at the historical society might want to get involved,” Berg added.

The pit causing erosion and concerns for the stability of Portersville Road West could also impact Lemmons Church and cemetery — a site that is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Is there a way that we can talk to Costello or someone,” said Commissioner Serice Stenftenagel. “I just kind of feel like we’re in the dark a little bit.”

Berg said that it seemed Costello and DNR had to come to an agreement before anything could move forward.

“Maybe if one of us (commissioners) was involved, we could push it along a little faster,” Stenftenagel said.

Blessinger said the limited access to the meetings has left them in the dark, and residents are asking what is being done.

Berg said he was hoping that once the plan was approved, the county would set up a meeting with the impacted landowners.

He also told the commissioners he would reach out to see if they could become more involved in the conferences between Costello and DNR as those talks continue.

The story below outlines the issue.