Shale Quarry Opposition

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HEDGESVILLE, W.Va. (AP)
Posted: 10:52 AM May 15, 2008
Last Updated: 10:52 AM May 15, 2008

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A proposed shale quarry on North Mountain in the Eastern Panhandle is drawing fire from residents concerned about pollution and soil erosion.

North Mountain Shale LLC is seeking a drainage permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection to open the quarry on about 11 acres in Gerrardstown.

About 200 residents turned out Wednesday for a DEP hearing at the James Rumsey Technical Institute to protest the company's permit application.

Wendy Hudock says her farm already has been damaged by North Mountain's exploratory operations.

Berkeley County Commission President Steve Teufel says runoff from the quarry could affect local streams.

The DEP is accepting written comments on the permit until May 24.

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Posted by: Trudy Location: Gerrardstown, WV on Jul 8, 2008 at 08:16 AM
This area is NOT just 11 acres. According to the new permit submited by Continental Brick it will cover more like 800 acres. There will be three large ponds 45 feet across and 10 to 15 feet deep. Does this sound like a "small" operation? What happens when a mountain is deforested? The shale does not have to be dug it will slide down the mountain along with top soil and sand. You cannot replace the water shed that will be depleated, because when the water is deverted from the mountain for quarry use there will only be contamination and dirty water. If what Continental Brick says is correct, that they will only be going up 770 feet why does the permit state 1000 feet. What happens to the communities on top of the mountain when the water is drained out at the bottom. There are they wells that the people in Glenwood Forest use. North Mt. Shale will be coming within 100 ft of one of those wells. Isn't that a bit too close for comfort? We depend on the DEP to keep us safe.