No change for Meteor

One of the permits the DNR granted was issued to Meteor Timber, which seeks to build a loading facility in Monroe County to handle sand from two mines on nearby land that the Georgia company acquired in 2014.

The permit, currently being challenged in court, would allow Meteor to fill 16.25 acres of “exceptional quality” white pine and red maple swamp, which is considered an imperiled habitat.

Meteor made the case that a unit train yard was the only way to be profitable.

“This is not even a point of discussion with operators, customers, or the railroad,” said an analysis from John T. Boyd Co. “The question now is how long of a train can be loaded in what period of time.”

According to the application, Union Pacific would not approve a facility without unit train capability.

Meteor’s attorney, John Behling said last week the company intends to move forward with the $75 million project in spite of market conditions.

Behling referred questions about plans for a unit train loading facility to a trade association spokesman who said the 10 miles of track outlined in the permit application is still needed.