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.

What is GR 2?

Mr. Stephen Harris, attorney for Gibraltar Rock began by introducing Mr. William Potter as an expert witness on Geology, with special expertise in environmental assessment.  

Harris presented Potter's curriculum vitae (CV) In his CV, which is an extensive resume and details about jobs he's held, it mentions that Potter is certified as an inspector (by Pennsylvania) in Act 101, "Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling And Waste Reduction Act" and as an Act 102 inspector for hazardous waste.

Mr. Lawrence Sagar, attorney for Atomic Industries, fighting against the quarry, spent about an hour and a half picking apart Potter's CV.  

It appears that Potter conducted a "paper" review of the Swann Oil location (land along Rt. 663 North of Hoffmansville Rd. with the large oil tanks).  By "paper" review we mean that he did not walk the land; he only reviewed documents that explain what is on the land.  This is called an environmental audit.  Harris will present him to render his opinion on whether or not the land can be safely used for quarrying.

After that, Mr. Bob Brant, attorney for New Hanover Township had the most interesting information regarding Potter.  Brant began by asking Potter about a letter he had written and inadvertently included in an application sent to the DEP.  Obviously on edge, Potter said as little as possible.  Brant made sure to read into the record information about the letter and what DEP officials said called "conniving."  Potter said it wasn't anything to be concerned about. Brant asked him why then did Potter's boss had to issue a press release.  

In a written statement, EarthRes Group President Jan C. Hutwelker said the letter was mistakenly included in the developer's response to DEP's June deficiency letter and is not part of STDI's permit application or its subsequent response to DEP questions.  Hutwelker said the letter does not reflect the opinions of St. Thomas Development Inc. (the quarry company).

To learn more about Potter's questionable behavior, read the article.

Mr. Brant finished by asking Potter is he was trying to 'connive' the New Hanover Zoning Board, like the DEP said he was trying to connive them. He of course answered "no."  

The meeting ended soon after, but not before the attorney representing the board asked if there was much more to cover for the evening.  Mr. Sagar quietly responded that he thought Harris needed to rescue the integrity of his witness. Harris blustered and said there was nothing to rescue. . 

You can see the boys play their games again on September 15th at the Township building.