C&D Recycler Looks to Add Equipment

Gaithersburg Recycling, a company that has operated an asphalt recycling operation in Montgomery Village, Md., for more than 10 years is looking to add to its operations. Late last year the company requested a permit to install two concrete crushers, cable of handling 100 tons of concrete an hour, as well as a screening plant.

However, the plan has run into a significant amount of opposition from residents of Montgomery Village, where the construction and demolition company is located. According to local press reports opponents of the plan claim that significant dust generated by the use of the crushers would be a health risk.

In a public meeting held July 23^rd, residents filed complaints with representatives from the Maryland Department of the Environment, the state agency slated to issue the company the air permit. The turnout by residents of the beltway community was significant, indicating sizable concern with the project plan.

According to Robert Maddox, a spokesman for the MDE, it is likely that Gaithersburg Recycling will receive the air quality permits required to install and operate the two concrete crushers.

According to findings by the state, dust generated by the equipment would fall within the federal clean air standards.

The public has until Aug. 2 to comment on the proposal. From there the MDE will send written copy of the responses. If there are no major holdups, Maddox says that the company can begin installing and operating the concrete crushers by this fall.

The company plans to use recycled concrete as a fill material for grading their property to prepare it for eventual development as an industrial park.