top view of a mine

the mine

On November 17, 2025, American Aggregates of Michigan, Inc. applied to operate a gravel mine on 625 acres bordering Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, an MDNR-designated Waterfowl Refuge in Norvell Township, Michigan.

The applicant claims the project would not result in ‘very serious consequences’ – the legal threshold required to deny a mining permit under Michigan law.

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Why this matters

The proposed operation would run 5.5 days a week, for up to 13 hours a day for 20 years, generating up to 180 truck trips daily along rural roads from Watkins Lake down to Hayes State Park.

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timeline of events

Click an event icon below to read supporting documentation

November 17-20, 2025

AAOM-EC Levy Submits Application,
Township Press Release Posted

January 12, 2026

GEI Initial Review
Released

January 14, 2026

Township Press Release
Regarding Initial GEI Review

February 4, 2026

IHCC Sends Initial Concerns
in Letter to Township

February 11, 2026

Pangea Sends GEI Review
Followup to Township

February 25, 2026

GEI Consultants Respond to
Township Regarding Concerns

February 26, 2026

Township Updates Community
via Press Release

march 16, 2026

Township Provides Community
with M-124 FAQ Sheet

april 3, 2026

Township Attorneys Submit Request
for Missing Information

april 6, 2026

Township Updates Community
via Press Release

June 2, 2026

AAOM-EC Levy Submits
Application for Demolition