Rock of Ages Seeks New Permit
To Crush Rock at Bethel Quarry
By Chris Costanzo

In a move that may generate local controversy, Rock of Ages is seeking the town’s approval to run up to 60 truckloads a day out of its Bethel White quarry from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. six days a week. Rock of Ages’ current permit allows for 20 truckloads a day, from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., five days a week, with a minimum spacing of 20 minutes between trucks.

Rock of Ages’ request is for an amendment to its existing subdivision permit that allows the company to use a crusher to process waste granite at its Bethel White quarry off of Christian Hill Road. The new and higher limit in truck traffic is included in the proposed conditions related to the request.

Bethel’s development review board will hold a public hearing on the Rock of Ages request Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. at the town offices. The hearing notice advises that participation at the public hearing is required for anyone who wishes to initiate any subsequent appeal. The Herald has heard that in view of possible large public attendance the town might move the hearing to another venue to be announced later.

In its petition, Rock of Ages noted, "This use of waste rock from our quarry will result in the availability of high quality crushed stone for Bethel and other adjoining towns with considerable reduction in transportation cost when compared to other options and limit our need to store the waste on site." The benefit might be of some value to the town, which has been wrestling with the high cost of crushed stone to keep its roads in good condition.

In addition, Rock of Ages also proposes to "continue to donate rip-rap to the Town of Bethel and provide crushed material at 10% below market price." Rock of Ages has also offered to pay the town $0.25 per ton of the crushed product that it sells, not counting what it donates or sells at a reduced price.

Another condition proposed by Rock of Ages is that all trucks will be covered. The company will continue to be responsible for the application of dust control agents on Christian Hill Road, and will "work with the town to improve the road, widening it to 20 ft. where necessary and increasing site distances as required in our past subdivision permit." Furthermore, at the site the crushing equipment will be equipped with noise muffling and stone berms or trees will be maintained to limit the noise from the crushing equipment to 80 decibels at the property line.

Further information on the Rock of Ages request and on any changes in time or place for the hearings is available at the Bethel town office.

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