Minutes - 19940414 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

5 use until there are answers to the many questions. Rem Malloy used a map to show that he lives next to the quarry. He does not feel that sufficient changes have been identified that would justify the impact of this expansion on the community around this rock quarry. The projected increase in population does not justify the size of the pit. In answer to a question about the total acreage of the hole, he was told it would be something less than half of the 207 acres. Mr. Malloy said that when American Stone is blasting, their houses shake, their windows shake, the children and animals are afraid. It occurs at least once or twice a week. He said that according to a seismograph, one blast read 100 decibels and another one on the Parish property was 100 decibels. He has requested and gotten from Martin Marietta their blasting reports for 1989, 90, and 91. He made reference to these reports which show readings of 120 db, 118 db, 124 db, etc. The most consistent readings range from 118 db to 120 db. He feels there is no change that can justify creating even 25 more acres. He made reference to the Chapel Hill Newspaper, Sunday July 5, 1992, and an article entitled "Truth About Radon". The article indicated that radon is a gas and that problems with radon are more likely to surface in homes built on rock or near quarries. The most troublesome spots in Orange County are west of Chapel Hill and Hillsborough where rock and quarries are more common. He questioned if the environmental impact study addresses the radon problem and if it does not, he asked that there be further study on this issue. He is concerned because this area is surrounded with people and children. Dan Vallero who lives one mile from the quarry said that he agrees with all the comments made. He agrees that this is making a change rather than responding to a change. He has not heard anything that would qualify this node to be industrial. Most of the people in that area are not on public water or sewer. He questioned the phase out schedule for the asphalt plant and noted that if this is going to be used as a public water supply, it may be best to discontinue the operation of this plant to avoid building up the contaminants in the quarry. He feels that land use planning and comprehensive planning are designed to protect the citizens. There needs to be a guarantee that things they plan for -- open space or population density -- that it stays that way. It bothers him when the County Commissioners consider changing the land use plan. A change should only be for urgent needs. He asked about the easement necessary to move the road and if there is some kind of effect this would have on other zoning or easements. He believes that the plant is due for a reissuance of its permit by the state and asked if it should be done in concert with this application. He has experienced a greater frequency of blasts. Andrew Davis lives near American Stone and can feel the shocks of the blasts at American Stone. He is a member of Bethel Church and his ancestors are buried at that church property. He is afraid that the shaking of the ground will tear it up. He asked that the Board require a reputable bonding company to bond them so that people can expect to be paid for damage to their property. The well at the church went muddy and the church had to drill a new well at their own expense. He feels that the little person does not have the money to go to court but if American Stone is bonded, it would be an insurance