Products of our Stone crusher operation approved
The operation was rejected by local officials but later approved by a county judge. The state has set conditions to control air pollution.
Experts hired by DeNucci Excavating said the future rock crushing operation at 2807 Old Rodgers Road will produce "no discernable vibration" at any nearby properties. The company argued it has long owned, maintained and paid taxes on the manufacturing zoned property off Route 413 near the I-95 interchange.
The property is bordered by several homes and businesses. The DEP imposed several conditions on the company to control air pollution from the crusher operations.
According to the DEP, DeNucci's crusher machine is equipped with a water spray dust suppression system that blocks airborne particles. Rock crushing hours are restricted to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The company must use asphalt, water and other suitable chemicals to control dust. It must also put a tarp over and wet all the stone loads that exit the property, according to the permit, which also requires the "prompt removal of earth and other material from paved streets."
Some residents question whether those pollution controls will work, and others worry the stone crusher operation will stifle attempts at revitalizing Route 413.
The state spent more than $20 million about eight years ago to widen that road and install antique street lighting.
"The whole idea for (renovating) Route 413 was to bring this area up," said Rob Leipziger, owner of Rob's Automotive on Route 413. "With this, it feels like we've taken three steps forward and four steps back."
Leipziger was one of seven people, among them Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia, who sent the DEP letters expressing concerns about the project.
The newspaper was unsuccessful in reaching applicants Antoinette and Charles DeNucci for comment after calls to their offices Monday and Tuesday.
Marseglia's letter to the DEP states that "the health and safety of residents are the utmost priority and must be assured." Marseglia said residents contacted her "concerned that the government wasn't taking a look at this."
