Earlier in March of 2024, Madill residents caught wind of a proposed sand mine coming to the northwest area of Madill at Highway 70 and Simpson Road. The proximity to residential areas, natural water aquifers and multiple health concerns made many of the residents want to have a say about what was being proposed.
Those that were opposed to the Oteka Quarry sent in protest letters to the Oklahoma Department of Mines (O.D.M.) with hope of stopping the sand mine and to have the mine permit process reassessed. On April 26, a little over a month since the deadline date for protest letters to be sent in, The MadillRecord reachedoutto the O.D.M. to inquire about theprocessandwhenahearing would be scheduled.
AndreaAdams,Paralegal with the Oklahoma Department of Mines, said the process was just beginning and an informal hearing is yet to be scheduled.
“Legal recently received the file from our Minerals Program with a request to schedule an informal conference on the permit application,” Adams said.
She also stated that notices would be sent out to everyone that sent in a protest letter.
“Once the informal conference is scheduled, notice of the meeting will be posted on our agency’s website and sent to the individuals who filed protests.”