By Beth David, Editor
Neighbors turned out in force again on Tuesday, 6/13, for a Board of Health meeting attended by PJ Keating representatives. For the second time, the company and neighbors faced off about the noise and dust caused by the quarry, asphalt plant and associated operations.
PJK is proposing to move the asphalt operations closer to the road, a move made possible by zoning bylaws changes passed at a special town meeting in November of 2016.
Tuesday’s meeting was a continuation of a public session started on May 16.
At both meetings, residents urged the Board of Health not to sign off on the portions of the plan they have control over. Residents said their quality of life has suffered and will only get worse if the plant is moved closer to South Main Street. The plant is currently about 1400 feet away from residences. The move would put it about 450 feet from houses.
The company wants to be able to excavate under the current plant, and wants to shorten the distance that trucks have to drive within the property.
The BOH did not sign off on the dust mitigation plan on Tuesday, and PJK is still working on some reports and plans that will be discussed at a future meeting. The BOH cannot stop the plant because of its location because it complies with bylaw regulations. They can, however, force the company to comply with guidelines for noise and dust.
Company representatives said they will look at different areas of the property to relocate the asphalt plant, but the proposed spot is their preferred place.
The meeting is available on the town’s cable access website, available through a link on the town’s website, www.acushnet.ma.us.
The BOH’s next meeting should be in July.
Click here to download the entire 6/22/17 issue: 06-22-17 RoadRace
