Some people living in one Mercer County community continue to voice their strong opposition over a proposed gravel mining operation. 

From wildlife safety to quality of life concerns, neighbors in Springfield Township say it's a battle they know all too well and they're fighting to keep the land mine out of their town. 

Mercer County's Springfield Township community fought for years to keep a sand and gravel mine out of the area. They thought the coast was clear back in 2023, when Three Rivers Aggregates withdrew its plan to operate a sand and gravel surface mine with mineral extraction on nearly 8 acres located at 34 North Holstein Lane, Grove City, on approximately 42 acres on Pine Road, Grove City, and approximately 71 acres located at 87 North Holstein Lane, Grove City.

But now there's a new company eying the 2,000 resident town. 21 News reported in March about Amerikohl Aggregates Inc. plans to erect an open surface mine near Millburn Road & Perry Highway. The mine would be located just north of Iron Bridge Inn and Rachel's Roadhouse. However, its proposed preserved wetland location and proximity to Neshannock Creek could be a risk to wildlife.

The township supervisors emphasized surface mining operating activity would not take place within 600 feet of a water protection area, including Neshannock Creek.

"Neshannock Creek is a trout stream and there's a lot of regulations when it comes to the Neshannock," said Tim Stiffy, Springfield Township Supervisor. 

"Our job as township supervisors is to make sure the safety, health, and well-being of you people is most important to us," explained Marcus Kohan, Chair of the Springfield Twp. Board of Supervisors. 

"You're all in a really good spot thanks for the lessons that we've learned from the last one," explained resident John Ayers. "And the work that we've done trying to protect the township. It's a new day and new era and there's nobody around who's comfortable with it or wants it. It would be a big eyesore and nobody wants to live by that. We learned in our last battle, who's going to police it?"

Neighbors are now standing in solidarity to fight the project. More concerns include dust particle pollution, water quality, noise disturbances, and a knock on tourism and property values.

Springfield supervisors are working to adjust mining regulations to meet the public's concerns while potentially giving Amerikohl Aggregates the green light. Certain provisions agreed upon Tuesday include clarifying the definition of mineral extraction, wording that includes 'commercial purposes only,'  and 'conveyer use for material movement on-site only.'

The township is in the process of collecting water samples at nearby homes. The township supervisors are still waiting on a formal application from Amerikohl Aggregates.