Hiring of hydrogeologist rises to top of the debate

by Peter Jakey—Managing Editor

A public hearing was conducted during a special Presque Isle Township meeting May 28 regarding Lafarge’s rezoning application of 19 acres.

The company owns the Presque Isle quarry along Lake Huron and has requested the rezoning of the land north of the quarry.

Plant manager Allan Idalski made a half-hour presentation prior to township supervisor Mark Devers opening up the floor to public comment.

The township board heard from township property owners, as well as several Lafarge employees.

No decision was made.

SOME PRESQUE Isle property owners mulled over the maps that were available to view in the township gymnasium. (Photo by Peter Jakey)

The matter is expected to be taken up again at Monday’s regular meeting.

Following the hearing, the board spent another 30 minutes discussing the possibility of hiring a hydrogeologist from Michigan State University (MSU) to conduct a study to see if the expansion of mining on 19 acres would impact inland lakes levels.

Jeff Jocks, the attorney representing the Presque Isle Alliance for the Protection of the Watershed and Natural Resources suggested Dr. David Hyndman, professor and chair of MSU’s department of geological sciences; however, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The organization indicated that it would fund the study.

A member of the audience expressed his concern that the only way to get an impartial professional opinion was to have the township fund the study. Another audience member asked what impact it would have on the township budget.

“That is something we would have to discuss, all the way across the board,” said Dever. “I still have not heard a figure. This is about the entire township, not just one section.”

Jocks, who said the study could take two to three months, said “Hyndman’s hourly rate is not low, but he earns what he charges, because he is very good.” Jocks said he would have additional information for Monday’s meeting.

Township clerk Cynthia Paavola made a motion to remand the application back to the planning commission for 90 days “for the gathering of further information.”

Devers thought it would be prudent to wait until Monday’s meeting to make a decision.

Earlier in the meeting, Idalski made a PowerPoint presentation and said the company wants to mine stone from the 19 acres as a sweetener to be used with lower-bench product.

“Our biggest risk that comes with this is our largest customer, who represents about one-third of our sales volume,” said Idalski. “Without that sweetener, we could be at risk of losing that customer. If that were to happen and we had a big downturn in production, it could potentially mean the loss of jobs. That’s why it is so important to use.” The plant employees 120 salary and hourly employees.

Idalski said the Michigan Zoning and Enabling Act states that a zoning ordinance cannot prevent the mining of valuable natural resources, “unless very serious consequences exist.” He said the mining expansion would be consistent with current land uses.

“The quarry has been part of this community for more than 60 years,” said Idalski. “We provide good paying jobs, we pay taxes, we have participated in a lot of the development…we pump water into Lake Esau to help maintain the water level. We have been a good corporate citizen to the residents of this township.”

State Sen. Jim Stamas spoke in favor of the rezoning during the public comment period, as did Jim Klarich,  Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce economic development director. State Rep. Peter Pettalia was not in attendance, but does support the rezoning.

Some residents commented that the blasts in the quarry caused their houses to shake.

Deborah Henley, who has organized a petition drive as well as the formation of the nonprofit group, said the number of valid signatures from those against the rezoning is now at 418.

Henley said the organization’s initial purpose of the group is to privately fund a hydrogeological study because more scientific data is needed before a decision is made.

“I look at the scientific data that Lafarge presents…and I ask that you get more current data,” said Henley.

Chip Babcock, a Maple Street resident who works as a trial lawyer, said, “The thing that would worry me if I were in your shoes, if I wanted to avoid litigation — I for sure would want to avoid two pieces of litigation – right now I think you have an inadequate record on which to base that decision.

“So, if you make a decision either way, the dissatisfied party may go to court ultimately and contest your decision. I have had a lot of these cases before and what I have seen the courts do is take the easy way out and say, they did not have enough information to determine whether there would be very serious consequences to the watershed.”

Babcock told the board it needs to ensure that the rezoning request does not impact the lakes. Others commenting during the hearing believe that bodies of water in the vicinity, including Lotus Pond, already have been impacted.

Kathleen Lutes, a Kauffman Boulevard resident, said she is concerned that the rezoning could set a precedent. “Will it stop? If the request to rezone the 19 acres is approved, what will guarantee that our beautiful township will not turn into the likes of Business Route 23 in Rogers City?”

Sandy Nowak of Brooks Highway supports the application. “Northeast Michigan is based on forestry, agriculture, shipping and mining,” she said. “I am for Lafarge. I am for any company or corporation that pays taxes and employs people from our community, supports our community and gives back to our community. Most of the people that live here have not been here for 60 years and whe

n they moved here, they knew the quarry was here.”

Grand Lake resident Ray Hentkowski wondered how 19 acres is going to make that much of a difference “and jeopardize properties – everything people worked for.”

Devers also read a half dozen letters, most from property owners opposed to the rezoning.

Monday’s regular township meeting begins at 7 p.m.