Residents have voiced concerns about a plan by Pennsylvania-based New Enterprise Stone & Lime to expand its quarry in Maxatawny Township.
Residents are fearful that their homes’ water wells will dry up. According to an article on ReadingEagle.com, residents have circulated a petition calling on state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) officials to delay a decision on the quarry's request for a permit that would allow the company to deepen the mine by 50 feet and pump thousands of gallons of water a minute into Saucony Creek.
New Enterprise Stone & Lime moved swiftly to allay concerns. Company officials said that if anyone loses water because of quarry operations they will resupply water by re-pumping or through bottled water.
Michael Clark, a New Enterprise vice president, said the company has drilled wells to monitor the water table in an impact zone around the quarry. "Our company will restore water to any residence with sufficient water loss, provided there is scientific information to back up the claim that it is due to quarry mining operations," Clark said.
