Citizens from New Hanover, Pennsylvania, and citizens group Paradise Watchdogs/Ban the Quarry has filed separate appeals of a state decision which will allow Gibraltar Rock to operate a quarry on a 241-acre tract.
A report by Reading Eagle says: “Both actions were filed with the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, an independent agency that hears appeals of decisions made by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).”
The DEP allowed permits for the quarry to run surface mining and a pollution discharge elimination system on the site by Route 73 and Hoffmansville and Church roads in Montgomery County.
According to the report: “The appeals follow more than 15 years of legal wrangling among state and local officials, nearby residents and Gibraltar Rock, which is owned by the Silvi Group based in Warminster, Bucks County.”
Christopher P. Mullaney, a Montgomery County lawyer who represents Paradise Watchdogs says there are contaminants at the site which will lead to groundwater pollution.
"We do not believe they should start quarrying in an area where there are chemicals,” Mullaney adds.
The written appeal also highlights concerns raised by township lawyer Robert L Brant, who believes the permits do not protect the residents in the township from pollution.
Stephen B. Harris, quarry attorney of Washington, Bucks County, says the appeal was expected, but noted the company will carry on preparing for the quarry.
In September, a request to allow the quarry to operate on a separate 82-acre tract off Church and Colflesh roads was approved by the township Zoning Hearing Board.
The report says the approval was granted with conditions which limit when the quarry can blast and operate crushers. In addition, the quarry is required to monitor the air and groundwater and replace any failing wells within 1,500 feet of the property.
Both the township and Paradise Watchdogs have also appealed this zoning decision in county court.
