Agenda - 09-06-2012 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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47 Following zoning regulations implemented by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, Gorilla Materials has invested money to start up their operations and to expand their operations. It is unlikely that they will voluntarily choose to relocate. Their operations are noisy, dusty, and are located partially on a steep slope immediately adjacent to Stoney Creek, a major tributary to the Eno River/Upper Neuse watershed. From my business experience, I have some suggestions to share with you for your consideration. These are suggestions that the owners of Gorilla Materials, as potentially good neighbors, might consider,too. I: Do everything feasible to mitigate possible damage to the Stoney Creek watershed. Work with Orange County officials, and adhere to the "spirit" of the rules and regulations designed to protect the environment. By "spirit", I mean not just adhering to the minimum technical compliance, but using empirical evidence and common sense to address problems and potential problems as they occur- not just once a year on a compliance check. II: To attenuate the noises radiating from Gorilla Materials, construct sound walls or enclosures around shredding, crushing, and grinding equipment. These walls should be covered with sound absorbing acoustical foam or equivalents. All heavy equipment and engines should be fitted with "hospital mufflers"to help lower the decibel level caused by those machines. [Note: In my business we build and insulate sound walls around the heavy pumping equipment we use, and we install "hospital mufflers" on all equipment located near residential areas. This make for good neighbors and peaceful coexistence. In the long run, it also saves money.] Also, prohibit the large dump trucks from slamming their tail gates trying to dislodge materials in the truck bed. This sounds like gunfire to the neighbors and to wildlife. The record to date is nine slams in rapid succession by one truck. III: Do whatever possible to reduce particulate air pollution from diesel engines and dust generation created by shredding, grinding, and crushing, and dust caused by heavy equipment movement. I believe that the intersection of US Highway 70 and 1-85 is located in an area designated by the EPA as an area of particular concern related to particulate air pollution. IV: Amend zoning regulations to prohibit noisy, dusty, high traffic businesses from locating or expanding operations in this rural residential area. There are other geographical locations better suited to this type business activity. My business experience has taught me that there are two kinds of mistakes: (1) big ones, and (2) small ones. No one wants to make a mistake, but,from time to time, we all do it. I have found it best, if possible,to make only small mistakes and to correct the big mistakes as quickly as possible. Page 2 of 3