Base decision on the overall good

To the editor:

As a Portland native, a Jay County resident, a local pastor and an employee at US Aggregates, I’d like to speak to a few of the concerns that I’ve heard in light of the mining expansion/rezoning of our quarry. 

Concerns that I have heard:

A. Blasting happens everyday and all hours of the night.

B. Homes will be damaged by the blasts, e.g. walls, ceilings etc.

C. Water wells will be damaged and/or dry up.

D. Dust contaminates, namely silica, will be detrimental and a health hazard.

Response:

The quarry has been located at its present site since about 1930 and has realized several different owners through the years. I have been employed by the previous company, Meshberger Bros. and the current owner, US Aggregates for nearly 16 years. In that timespan we have blasted an average of two to four times a month, never at night, and all blasts are conducted by a professional blasting company with many years of experience.

We have always had water and our well has never been damaged even though the proximity to the mine is very close. 

Never have I witnessed any cracked drywall, be it ceiling or walls, because of blasting. The blasts only last milliseconds and are over — remember only two to four times a month typically,  which amounts to a maximum of probably no more than two to three seconds a month.

Is there dust? Of course. We are a stone quarry. But we use bag houses to collect dust, have a water truck to help suppress dust and where silica is concerned are well underneath government guidelines where safety is concerned.

At 59 years of age, I have worked for several factories, in construction, worked in radio and am a military veteran, and can honestly say that the current company has a better safety track record than any I have ever seen. For US Aggregates safety really is number one. That includes employees as well as the surrounding neighborhood(s).

I have heard many cons against the expansion. Allow me to share some of the pros (for) it:

1. I can keep my job. OK, I am a little biased in that area, but that’s a given.

2. County taxes do not increase. Why? Because trucks would be required to drive further for stone.

3. Local contractors can stay in business because haul rates will not have to nearly double for anyone needing stone.

4. Businesses that rely on our stone to operate will not have to consider relocating or dramatically raise prices.

5. Portland residents and businesses will continue to have a better price on stone delivery.

6. County roads will continue to be maintained with stone and/or chip and seal because pricing is more affordable, etc.

The local mining operations of U.S. Aggregates are vital to the infrastructure of Portland, as well as important for businesses across this nation that include the glass industry as far away as Washington state, to fertilizer businesses, golf courses and farmers all around the state of Indiana.

The decision to vote yay or nay should be decided based on the facts that have been presented by U.S. Aggregates at the numerous meetings as well as the overall good of the community at large.

Charles W. Myers

Bryant