Quarry proposal raises concerns

To the editor:

In the past few weeks there has been an over-abundance of conversation about US Aggregates and its proposed expansion to the north of its present location.

Most of the discussion has revolved around three major points of contention.

One is the dust created by the crushing of stone, which produces respirable crystalline silica, a deadly byproduct of the crushing process.

Another is blasting. My first encounter with this problem was 40 years ago. One blast at 1 p.m. knocked a picture from the wall and snapped the picture tube of our brand new TV in two. The insurance company said it was an “act of God” and refused their obligation. At any rate, blasting is a major issue.

The third issues is water. Everyone in the Beacon Heights addition is on their own well. It’s understandable that these people are concerned about the possibility of their well going dry. US Aggregates has assured us if a well goes dry, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will determine the fault of the well’s failure. If a high capacity water user is determined to be at fault, the owner of the high capacity well can, not will, be liable and could, not will, be required to provide an alternate supply.

What are the odds of this happening to home owners in the Beacon Heights addition?

According to US Aggregates, it is pumping 400,000 gallons a day from its existing plant. Granted, this is ground seepage.

In a new location, how long will it take to reach these numbers.

Water does tend to seek its own level.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Larry Chittum

Portland