The Moody County Commission recently approved the permit application for Eng Services to open a new gravel pit near the company’s current excavation site. The new pit would be located in a rural area southwest of Egan where the company already has a road haul agreement.
County Zoning Administrator Alicia DeSchepper presented the conditional use permit application for the company at a recent meeting of the County Commission.
Eng Services has been growing the gravel side of its generations-old business as the need for infrastructure projects increase, new businesses look to call the area home, new homes are built as a result, and other projects grow across the county and region.

The company, as a result, is running out of gravel at its current location.
The commission approved the request pending final approval from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a review from the Moody County Conservation District. The installation of a silt fence is required to be placed 25 feet from Bachelor Creek before mining can begin.

Among the reasons Eng Services and other local gravel companies are experiencing growth as the region continues to see more homes and businesses being built:

1. Infrastructure Development: Gravel is a key component in building infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways. Without an adequate supply of gravel, these essential projects would be hindered, impacting transportation networks critical for economic activity.
2. Construction Sector Support: The construction industry relies heavily on gravel for foundations, concrete production, and other building materials. As construction activity increases, so does the demand for gravel, driving economic growth and job creation within the sector.
3. Supporting Various Industries: Gravel is not only used in construction but also in industries such as agriculture, landscaping, and mining. For instance, agricultural operations use gravel for driveways, pathways, and as a base for farm buildings, while landscaping projects often require gravel for decorative purposes and erosion control.