Concrete Recycling Project Opposed

A Lumberton, NJ, concrete manufacturer's application for a concrete- and asphalt-recycling permit drew a crowd of 25 people during a Burlington County Board of Freeholders public meeting Feb. 25^th .

The Lumberton residents made it clear to the freeholders they oppose the application from R.E. Pierson Materials for a permit that would enable the company to install new equipment to crush concrete and asphalt at its 5-acre plant.

The residents expressed concerns about noise, dust and truck traffic already generated at the plant and questioned whether an expansion of operations is a good idea.

At issue is Pierson's effort to win a concrete- and asphalt-recycling permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The state agency cannot award the permit if the county doesn't approve Pierson's proposal.

There are two public hearings scheduled on Pierson’s application.

Curt Mitchell, site manager for the company, said the recycling operation would generate about four or five additional trucks entering or leaving the site each hour. Right now, about 17 trucks are going in and out each hour, he said.

Mitchell said the company would do its best to control noise and dust. He cited a recent effort to minimize the beeping noise that emanates from the site when construction vehicles are in reverse as an example of the company's willingness to cooperate.

"We want to be a good neighbor," Mitchell said. "Hopefully, we can satisfy your concerns."

Sponsored Content

SENNEBOGEN 340G telehandler improves the view in Macon County, NC

An elevated cab is one of several features improving operational efficiency at the Macon County Solid Waste Management agency in North Carolina. When it comes to waste management, efficiency, safety and reliability are priorities driving decisions from day one, according to staff members of the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department in western North Carolina. The agency operates a recycling plant in a facility originally designed to bale incoming materials. More recently, the building has undergone significant transformations centered around one machine: a SENNEBOGEN telehandler (telescopic handler).

Lumberton officials also attended the meeting to voice their opposition. They have suggested an alternative site in the township for the operation as a possible solution, Mayor Dewitt Pennypacker said.

After the public hearing closed, Freeholder Jim Wujcik said he would be "hard-pressed" to vote in favor of the application.

The next public hearing on the application is scheduled for May 26. A written-comment period is open through May 7. Burlington County (New Jersey) Times