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.

For this meeting Mr. Uday Patankar was on the witness stand for direct testimony by Steve Harris and a short cross examination by Bob Brant.

The purpose of the meeting was to present maps and charts drawn to the scale specified by the New Hanover Township Zoning Ordinance.  In some cases, new and updated information was provided.

Exhibits included:

• A-132, an updated version of A-70, using data from the testimony of Thomas Comitta, showing the historical sites missing on A-70.
• A- 133 A, B & C.  Three maps forming a composite showing wetlands, ground water data, elevations and vegetation.
• A- 124 A, B, & C. Three maps forming a composite depicting proposed usage.
• A-20 and A-21 showing wind direction
• A- 135.  Plan view of berms.  Two sizes: 25’ and 10’ as shown on A-134
• A-136 A, B & C.  Three maps making a composite showing intended use, DEP case.
• A-137 A map of local roads around the quarry showing weight limits and surface treatment.
• A-138 AND a- 139  Two exhibits showing all the correspondence between GRI and the Historical and Museum Commission that concludes with a statement that there will be no damage to historic structures.  If GRI happens to uncover something of historic significance, they promise to report it immediately.  It was noted that after much research it was concluded by Uday & Co. that there is no such thing as the FAULKNER SWAMP RURAL HISTORIC DISTRICT.

Discussion on noise level.

• An issue preempted by DEP.  GRI will take steps to reduce noise including:
  • Machinery and crushers will be enclosed.
  • The diesel generator as originally proposed will be replaced with an electrical service.
  • Berms and vegetation.

GRI will initiate a safety program.

GRI will have a phone number to receive complaints, with a live person on the end of the phone.

In cross examination by Mr. Brant it was agreed that the Wrighstown Quarry had a catastrophic high wall collapse, but, so we are assured, that can’t happen here.

In the cross examination by Mr. Brant and Jeanette Moll it was reported that if a well goes dry, any time day or night, GRI will come and investigate immediately.  If a well has to be deepened that should be completed in three days with GRI providing water in the meantime.   1500 ft. is the limit of liability unless DEP finds that wells went dry beyond 1500’ because of quarry operations, in which case it is a GRI responsibility.  But be warned, many wells went dry around the Naceville quarry and DEP found that it was a drought problem.

GR 1 will continue on September 1, 2005.

See Also:
Summary of the previous meeting (May 19, 2005)