The time for people to register their mining operations is coming to a close.Stearns County Environmental Services needs all mining operations within the unincorporated areas of the county to be registered or have an internal use permit. To be grandfathered in, registration must be done by December 31, 2011 for owners ofmining sites to continue to operate without applying for a permit in the future.

Owners not registered and without a permit should contact Stearns County Environmental Services at (320) 656-3613 or 1-800-450-0852.