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.

Township attorney Julie Von Spreckelsen continued presenting her witness Dr. David Gold, Economic Geologist.

Dr. Gold explained that he reviewed the 81 core samples taken by GRI's geologists.  He did this because, as he stated, companies often let the most junior employee log the core samples and often there are mistakes. Hole by hole he inspected the hardness of the rock samples to determine whether or not they contain commercially graded rock. He mentioned that the rock was graded as competent (i.e. commercial quality) or non-competent (not able to be used commercially.) He said there was shale (not very competent), argillite (competent, but not the best), and hornfels (best).

Gold used a map to show where the different types (and qualities) of rock are located. He said that one must dig down at least 300 feet in the southern portion (near Rt. 663) to get to competent rock.  He also said that toward the NE the good rock was nearer the surface.

Gold explained that he then looked at the "foot print" of the proposed quarry on the land in relation to the rock.  He estimates that 50% of rock in the HI area is competent. He summarized this portion of his testimony by saying that there is enough good rock in the existing HI area to be economically feasible to mine.

Gold next moved on to talking about the quantity of rock GRI could mine using the equipment they projected.  He said that GRI said they would mine 500 tons/year, which is what all of their testimony has said.  However, he said that the equipment they proposed was able to mine 1 million tons/year.

At this point Mr. Stephen Harris (esteemed intercessor for Gibraltar Rock) objected to Gold's extrapolation.  Mr. Skypala, vicegerent for the Zoning Hearing Board looked tired and decided that he and the board had heard enough for one evening and told both attorneys (Harris and Von Spreckelsen that he (and the board) would rule on this point before the next fun-filled meeting.

The meeting was adjourned and everyone went home totally enlightened.

See Also:
Summary of the previous meeting (October 7, 2004)