Residents discuss NYCO plan for mines
By Kim Smith Dedam, The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Residents support the continuation of mining for wollastonite in the
But they are somewhat concerned about how expansion in three mining zones, each taken separately, will impact overall truck traffic, quality of life and the environment.
LONGER HOURS
Aside from proposed test mining on Lot 8,
The new permit application doesn't have anything to do with the constitutionally approved land swap and temporary mining permits for Lot 8, which is state land.
Two years worth of ore are left at the 70 Road mine, with about 600,000 tons of reserves in a section just south of the current mine where
Added excavation zones there would extend the 70 Road mine operation by three years.
A civil and open dialogue characterized the informational session held at the
STARVING FOR JOBS
The average salary of
"The (Adirondack) park is starving for good jobs,"
Richards is a truck operator with Abele Tractor and works for
"These people (NYCO) are environmentally conscious. These jobs provide three to four jobs for other people. It's not just about somebody wanting to make a profit."
HOME DAMAGE
But
"They talk about blast schedules -- I've never seen one.
"And I've got a broken chimney that costs
CHANGING PLANS
Neighboring resident Barbara Dansmore recalled the 1998 permit process for
"They planned to move the entire operation to
Shortly after the 1998 agreement,
"Which is why we moved off Wells Hill. No one ever wanted to suffocate the business; that's not the point," Dansmore said.
The point is in clear communication with area residents, she said.
TRAFFIC CONCERNS
Several residents voiced concern about the added half-hour of operations early in the day.
They want
Asked about the bus conflict,
HEARINGS ADVISED
Representatives from the
"APA needs to hold adjudicatory hearings to look at the entire process (
He also suggested
After the meeting, Buckley said
But the road would have to cross sensitive wetlands, swamps and a creek.
"APA decided at the time that it was too much adverse environmental impact. We were saying it would be too expensive."
Buckley said the three mining location permits are independently reviewed because that is how the permits are sorted through the
NOISE AND SECURITY
Bauer calculated that the increase in truckloads to 100 per day would translate into one heavy truck passing a person's house every three minute.
But
And Buckley said
"I would really like to see the agency (APA) put some contingencies on (noise and traffic) at the plant,"
"You cannot go out and hear night sounds because of it."
ECONOMIC SECURITY
For other residents, however, the noise, din and traffic of mining represent the hum of job security and industry.
"We fed our family on the droning noise," she said.
"
And
"And
"And I love the environment," Pierce added.
"I spend as much time in the woods as I can. They (NYCO) run a clean organization.
"What would the Towns of
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COMMENTS SOUGHT
The expanded mining and trucking permits sought by
For a detailed description, see the project notice posted on the Environmental News Bulletin: dec.ny.gov/enb/enb.html
Public comment on the permits is being accepted through
Written comments should be sent to:
To make arrangements to review the project application file, call 891-4050.
___
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