SUFFIELD – The Congamond Lakes Environmental Protection Organization (CLEPO) is moving forward quickly with its appeal against the Suffield, Conn. Zoning and Planning Commission over its decision to allow a mining operation near the lakes.
Christine Pepka. a CLEPO member, said there are several concerns over the decision, mainly that the current and former chairman of the commission are stakeholders in the mining company, Lake Roads Materials, LLC, and both men were part of the decision to shut down the last company that mined there 10 years ago.
Pepka said the commission neglected to impose requirements on Lake Roads Materials required to conduct such an operation.
“There was no required environmental impact study and no required traffic study,” said Pepka.
The residential neighborhood is also home to a stretch of the Great Brook acquifer, which supplies water to area communities such as Southwick, Westfield, and West Springfield.
The CLEPO web site states that “the excavation company is permitted to dig down to within 4′ of the aquifer. It will take only one diesel truck spilling fuel to create immense damage to the water supply and the lakes. Silica dust will pollute the air surrounding the mining pit. Silica is a known carcinogen and will adversely affect the entire community. The proposed spraying of water to keep the dust down is ineffectual according to experts. The constant noise from the trucks will also negatively impact the community.”
Pepka said the company was also granted permission to operate outside the town’s noise ordinance.
“The plans call for 30 to 70 truckloads of sand to be removed from the sand pit six days per week, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays,” said Pepka. “We are taxed as a resort community here, and this is really going to destroy that resort lifestyle.”
CLEPO members met with the Citizens Restoring Congamond over the weekend to update that group. Pepko said the CLEPO is happy that a judge has agreed to add the appeal to a special land use docket.
“Under a normal court docket, you get different judges, but he’s going to be our sole judge and will know the case,” said Pepka. “It’s a great success that he picked this case.”
A status hearing is set for Aug. 27 with the judge and attorneys from CLEPO and the town.
UNtil a court decision is made, Lake Roads Materials is allowed to begin working. Pepka said its her understanding that the bulk of their costs are upfront to move Lake Road. The dirt road is right where the company plans to excavate and must be relocated in order to begin taking sand and gravel from the area.
“We have heard they plan to begin soon so our attorney is trying to get things done soon,” Pepka said.
To cover legal costs, the CLEPO is having a Walk for Congamond fundraiser Sept. 28.
“The proceeds will be matched up to $5,000 by Citizens Restoring Congamond, and will help us with legal costs,” said Pepka.
CLEPO.org offers information on the group, as well as links to meeting minutes and more.
