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.

Mr. Stephen Harris, attorney for Gibraltar Rock, Inc. cross-examined Mr. Joseph G. Casey, a hydrogeologist employed by Mignatti Company working for New Hanover Township. He is director of land approvals and acquisition and responsible for directing land development activities and acquisitions.  He interfaces with DEP and EPA.

After Harris’s cross-examination the zoning hearing board asked him a few questions.  The questions centered around his testimony that the proposed quarry pit north of Hoffmansville Road might make the road unstable.  He said it could.

Ms. Julie Von Spreckelsen, an associate of Bob Brant, township solicitor, asked Casey questions about RQD (Rock Quality Designation).  RQD is a measurement that geologists use to indicate how susceptibility of a given piece of rock to fracture.  Casey said that RQD tells which is good rock (worth mining) and which is bad (unsuitable for mining).   He also mentioned that the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) recognizes RQD as its standard.  He also said that ASTM recommends that rock be looked at right after it is collected.

Von Spreckelsen asked him whether Gibraltar Rock’s study looked at both the north and south pit. He said yes and that his information indicates that there would be greater drawdown of water than was indicated in their studies. He believes that a under drought conditions, the quarry could have adverse effects on local wells.

The next GR 1 meeting is March 4, 2004 at the New Hanover Township Building, 7:00 PM.

See Also:
Summary of the previous meeting (January 15, 2004)