Note: The following is not a verbatim transcript of the Zoning Hearing Board meeting; it is simply one person’s summary of the major points made by those involved in the hearing process.  For that reason, quotation marks are not used unless a direct quote was recorded.  For information about obtaining an official ZHB transcript, contact the New Hanover Township office.

Dave Davis, attorney for the Paradise Watchdogs and the community continued his cross-examination of Mr. H. Lyn Kemper, President of Kemper Equipment.  Kemper said he is a manufacturer and distributor of aggregate mining equipment. 

Dave Davis questioned Kemper about his meetings with Silvi and company (Gibraltar Rock, Inc.) to gather information on what they (Gibraltar) wanted him to propose. Davis first questioned Kemper’s accuracy by asking why Kemper’s notes said 6/31/02 at the top, when June doesn’t have 31 days. Kemper said he made a mistake.  Davis asked how do we know that his notes are correct if the date is incorrect. Kemper kept saying that it was correct.

When asked how much waste 500ton/hour crusher produces Kemper said 5-10%. Davis asked him if any specific environmental issues were discussed at these meetings and he said that they talked about all environmental issues. Davis asked if they talked about noise control. Kemper said that he was to propose the best most acceptable plant. Kemper said that the final proposal was dated August 12, 2002.

Davis’ next line of inquiry was on the length of time to construct this proposed plant. Kemper said 5-8 months for the crusher and six months for the asphalt plant. Or, as Davis said, over a year to build the entire plant.  Davis asked how many truck visits it would entail during construction and Kemper said he didn’t know. Kemper said there would be an five to 22 men needed to construct the plant. Davis asked if there would be any dust control during construction and Kemper said only what the state dictates. Kemper said the construction shifts would be five 8-hour days or four 10-hour days/week.

Davis next asked about the dust suppression system. Kemper said that “…the system I put in place is designed to suppress all the dust.” Davis asked if wind would be a factor. Kemper said that “wind should have no bearing.”

Davis asked about noise control. He asked if Kemper knew decibel levels of the crusher. He said maybe 95-96 decibels, but then rescinded his comment with a statement that he really doesn’t know anything about sound levels and what is dangerous. Kemper said the enclosures will help.

Davis asked how much water would be needed to build the plant. Kemper did not know. Davis asked if Kemper thought that that was important. Kemper said “it’s the owners’ problem.” Davis asked if the owners had asked about that. Kemper said no.

Davis next asked Kemper if any odor was generated by the plant facilities. Kemper said asphalt plants give off odors, but then hastily said that the odor is only smelled by workers.

Davis asked if there was any lighting on the site to work at night. Kemper said only safety lighting in buildings. Davis asked what type of lighting is needed if the plant operates at night. Kemper said he didn’t know.

Davis asked Kemper what happens to the wash pond residue. Kemper said he didn’t know.  Kemper said it’s up to the operator to take care of that.

Local resident Evan Detrick had a series of questions read by the zoning hearing board attorney.

Detrick asked how tall the asphalt towers and tanks would be. Kemper said 76 to 80 feet.

Detrick asked the size of the asphalt tank. Kemper said he didn’t know off hand but guessed 30,000 gallons

Detrick asked what is provided to protect from spills. Kemper said its mandated by the state.

Detrick asked if the site would be graded, and if so higher or lower than existing land. Kemper said it would be graded but didn’t know if it would be lower or higher.

Detrick asked if the stone conveyor belts would be covered and Kemper said they would.

 The ZHB asked a few questions.

ZHB asked why the picture of the Limerick quarry, which they used to show what the plant would look like, did not have covers on the conveyors. Kemper said that that’s an option and the Limerick facility did not do that.

The next meetings will be October 2, 2002. There was supposed to be two meetings (back to back) Oct 1 and 2, but the October 1st meeting was cancelled.

See Also:
Summary of the previous meeting (August 15, 2002)