possibility of vibration leaving the site.
Chairman Wood introduced the conversation of silica. Director Burdick commented that in
exhibit #318 it talks about silica dust. She read the response into the record. She commented
that the Verdantas report that was submitted by the applicant was part of the Zoning
Compliance Manual and read several pieces of its data located in the responses from the
applicant in exhibit #318. Director Burdick stated that HMMH, who performed the
third-party review, also submitted several documents on this matter.
Commissioner Ribe commented that her main concern is any dust leaving the boundaries of
the site on trucks or by other means. Commissioner Harwood commented that his concern is
that blasted silica particles are sharp and can cause significant lung damage. Commissioner
Miello commented on the geology reports submitted by Geotech and stated his concerns
about the rock composition containing silica. The Commission discussed what protective
gear the workers would be wearing during the operation. Attorney Willis commented that the
kind of gear workers would be wearing can be found in exhibit #318. Chairman Wood and
Commissioner Miello discussed the breakdown of potential emitters according to the
Verdantas. Commissioner Harwood commented that potential weather changes like dry
weather and wind could contribute to dust leaving the boundaries of the site.
Chairman Wood opened the conversation of radon up to the Commission. Commissioner
Ribe stated that she did not feel concerned about impacts of radon due to the scope of the
project being so much open space. The rest of the Commission concurred.
Director Burdick commented that DEEP weighed into the conversation of radon and read
their response into the record. She stated that DEEP had recommended test for nearby
residencies. Commissioner Miello asked whose responsibility it would be to put in radon
remediation systems if radon became an issue from blasting. Commissioner Harwood asked
if radon being released is a long or short term to nearby homes. Director Burdick read
DEEP’s recommendation for testing into the record marked as exhibit #326. The
Commission and staff discussed testing procedures per DEEP’s recommendation. Director
Burdick read exhibit #132 into the record. Commissioner Miello commented on the
monitoring system. He stated that if the application were to be approved, they would want to
condition additional monitoring systems in vulnerable areas surrounding the properties such
as Juliet Long. Commissioner Harwood commented that he was not clear about the impact of
radon on the aquifer. They discussed potential impacts.
Chairman Wood stated that he would like to review 7.10 of the Ledyard Zoning Regulations
on page 7-16. Director Burdick commented that the regulation is also contained in exhibit
#318 where the applicant had already answered Commissioner questions concerning
regulation 7.10. She read Zoning Regulation 7.16 into the record and commented that if rock
crushing wasn’t anticipated or allowed, why would the regulation say the Commission could
limit it. She also stated that the Commission would have to decide the meaning of temporary.
She referenced past projects and applications that included rock crushing as part of the
operation. Commissioner Harwood read zoning regulation 7.10.1a and asked if they would
have to renew the permit every 6 months. Director Burdick stated she also has some
questions about the regulations as many parts of the regulations contradict each other. Staff
and the Commission concluded that Zoning Regulation 7.10 was not intended for excavation
