Oakland Planning Commission, workshop and regular meeting, July 20, 2026. From the approved minutes.
The Oakland Planning Commission voted unanimously to ask the City Council to bring the Dean Resources pellet mill at 620 Stearns Lane into compliance, after hearing that the mill had been discharging wastewater into the City's treatment plant.
Public Works Director Jim Hart told commissioners that wood pulp discharge from the mill was compromising the plant's aerobic treatment process, and had created $50,000 in sludge removal costs. Testing confirmed acrylic acids in the mill's wastewater. Hart also said a fire hydrant at the site was being used for something other than fire protection, and has no meter.
Mike Sweeney, a chemist representing the mill, described equipment he will install to restore oxygen to the discharge. Zoning Administrator Eric Lanning said the mill is not complying with Condition 7 of its October 23, 2023 site plan approval, which states that "the wood pellet mill operations will not be allowed to discharge any process wastewater into the City's sewer system." Commissioner Carson raised concerns about storm drains and runoff to the creek.
The commission's amended motion, adopted 5–0, recommends that the Council "take necessary steps to achieve compliance" with Conditions 7 and 8, based on the chemist's statements and Hart's test results, and states that "The Site Plan is no longer valid."
Also at the meeting
In a workshop on updating the City's 1986 Comprehensive Plan, commissioners discussed the urban growth boundary, commercial areas, and housing. They will next consider rezoning North First Street from commercial back to residential, since three large Stearns Lane parcels now meet the need for commercial land. Commissioner Carson also flagged several derelict houses that may warrant action under Ordinance 318, Abatement of Building Nuisances.
The minutes were approved August 17, 2026.
