Rock of Ages Proposal Hearing Gets Negative Public Reaction
By Chris Costanzo

Almost 90 people appeared Tuesday evening, April 3, at the Bethel development review board’s public hearings on an application by Rock of Ages to increase the number of truck-loads a day out of its Bethel White quarry by about 60, and to run the trucks six days a week.

Rock of Ages engineer Donald Murray explained that his company’s proposal was triggered in part because its Bethel quarry was not functioning as a good source of crushed stone in the region. Another reason is that the quarry, whose main economic value lies in producing dimension stone for construction and adornment, has over the years been piling up much of its residual stone at the site itself.

"Strictly speaking," Murray said, "this will be a used-waste recycling operation."

Based on previous studies of existing traffic on roads that lead out of the quarry, Murray estimated that the increase of 60 trucks a day would raise the total number of vehicular movements past a typical residence in the area to about 192 a day, representing an increase of only 19%.

Murray also explained that Rock of Ages will work with the town to improve the road to accommodate the additional trucks and to implement dust control measures. The company will ensure that the noise level not exceed 80 decibels at the quarry property line. The company will continue to offer crushed stone to the town at 10% below market price, and pay a $0.25 per/ton royalty to the town for the stone that it transports over town roads.

Murray estimated that the amount would come to 150,000 tons a year, translating to a yearly payment of $37,500. The money would go for the upgrade and continued maintenance of the roads carrying the truck traffic.

Development review board chair Ruth Clough explained that, in accordance with Bethel’s by-laws, the board would determine whether the Rock of Ages proposal would have an undue adverse impact on the character of the roads, the traffic, the town’s tax base, and the efficient use of existing public services and facilities.

With respect to the site plan for increased road crushing, the board will consider safety, parking, and aesthetics. As to the actual extraction of sand, stone and gravel, the board will look at any adverse effects stemming from hours of operation, noise, setbacks, slopes and temporary structures.

About 30 people spoke at the meeting, most of whom live near the quarry itself or the truck routes. Most were strongly opposed to the application. The primary issues were the adverse impact on the environment and on property values stemming from noise, dust and pollution.

Some felt the limit of 80 decibels at the quarry line itself was too high. Others pointed out that a 19% increase in traffic is misleading because of the vast difference in impact between trucks and other kinds of vehicles. Yet others lamented the effect on their lifetime investments in the area.

John Fago contradicted Murray’s statement that the proposal was a recycling operation, and characterized it as "an industrial expansion that affects our lives and property."

Bill Sugarman summed up the prevailing attitude by noting that the Rock of Ages application "directly contradicts" town ordinances in its "significant" impact on the welfare of the local inhabitants. He also claimed there would be an adverse impact on property appraisals in the area, and predicted a negative effect on those with children who might want to move into the town.

However, two speakers supported the application. Don Hyde told the opponents that they were unfairly blaming Rock of Ages.

"You say that commerce and industry is good, as long as it isn’t in your back yard," Hyde said. He said that the whole area is changing, and if the people don’t do some compromising and soul searching, the town will be in deep trouble.

Dave Eddy agreed, noting, "Business should be allowed to operate if it can show a need." As for safety and noise, he said that people were complaining about matters that are not limited to commercial traffic, but are characteristic of other traffic as well.

In the end, Clough asked if Rock of Ages would be willing to finance a study by independent engineers on the impact of the Rock of Ages proposal. Murray said probably yes, but it would depend on the cost.

Clough replied that once the matter of a study is fleshed out, she will call a follow up meeting either to discuss the results of the study, or else to decide the next step.

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