PROPOSED NEW HANOVER QUARRY

            Following is the introductory summary that prefaced the report prepared for the Board of Supervisors (November 2002) by Robert Martell on behalf of the Environmental Advisory Board regarding the potential environmental impacts of a quarry operation in our township.  Periodic status updates will appear in upcoming issues of the EAB newsletter.  The complete report is available for review at the municipal building located at 2943 North Charlotte St.  Please feel free to contact the Township at 610-323-1008 for a current update on the status of the quarry zoning hearings.  

                 REVIEW OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PROPOSED QUARRY ON NEW HANOVER TOWNSHIP  

(INTRODUCTION)

             New Hanover Township is primarily a rural community with moderate residential and limited commercial and industrial development.  Our township now faces the prospect of having the Gibraltar Rock Company establish a large rock quarry in the center of this township.

             There are many concerns facing both the township and community as Gibraltar Rock Company has no previous experience in the operation of a rock quarry.  The hazards and disruption (of everyday life) that the operation of this quarry will cause far outweigh any benefits to this community.

             Environmental pollutants as well as flyrock caused by the blasting of quarry rock is a major concern.  Blasting can cause both the fragmentation and projection of rocks (flyrock) from the quarry site.  Additionally, flyrock in other operations has caused both personal and property damage.  Another major concern is the generation of dust which can cause the development of such diseases as silicosis and cancer.

             The effects of increased traffic due to the diesel trucks generally used to haul stone are yet another source of concern.  As noted in the Cheektowaga/Depew community, the diesel emissions and particulate matter are a major source of  pollution (for communities adjacent to the quarry).  These sources of pollution have been associated with an increased risk of cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality as well as increased incidences of thyroid disease and cancer.

             The water supply contained in the trap rock formation (which underlies both the proposed quarry site and the surrounding home sites) will be severely stressed.  Trap rock is known for its inability to provide a steady source of water and as such, having the available water used for quarry operations is not without issue.  The total available groundwater reserve for New Hanover Township is estimated to be 950,000 gallons per day based on a 1986 study.  The current estimated withdrawal of water for residential use is 870,307 gallons per day.  The quarry intends to use 20,000-30,000 gallons of water a day thereby possibly affecting the local water supply and its ability to support future growth in the township.

             The noise and light from a mining operation can be of concern as this quarry will operate sixteen hours a day, six days a week.  The noise and light generated from the quarry can interfere with day to day activities (concentration, sleep) and have a negative impact on residential amenity.  Vibrating machinery, such as crushing and grinding circuits as well as vibrating screens emit very low frequency sound energy.  It has been noted that bulldozers and their associated “back up warning bells” are the greatest source of noise from a quarry.

             In summary, the potential liabilities derived from the pollutants, flyrock, traffic issues, adverse effects on water supply as well as the noise and light created from the operation of the quarry, far outweigh any benefits that might arise from the operation of the quarry to township residents.  The research contained in this report supports these conclusions.