E.L. Harvey Expansion Plan Up for Discussion

The Hopkinton, Mass., board of health is discussing whether to give the green light to E.L. Harvey recycling plant.

The long-debated plan by E.L. Harvey & Sons, a Massachusetts recycling operation, to build a construction and demolition facility in Hopkinton, Mass., is coming to a decision. (Read Earlier Story on Project) A decision on whether or not E.L. Harvey will receive the go-ahead for the project is expected to be published by Nov. 15^th. A vote by the board of health could come as soon as Nov. 12^th.

The project has received a tremendous amount of press as the company, a long-time fixture in the area, has ran into opposition by a host of people who fear the construction of a C&D facility would create significant health and traffic problems for people in the surrounding areas.

In many ways opponents of the proposed expansion plan are promulgating the NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) approach. This approach has been gaining over the past several years as a host of recycling and scrap metal companies are being pressured by local governments of homeowners over their operations.

In the case of E.L. Harvey, the company has been in business for several generations, and has a strong reputation. However, opponents continue to press the Hopkinton board of health, which will ultimately decide whether or not to authorize the new project, to reject the plan.

One of the biggest issues is the potential increase in truck traffic that the new facility would bring. According to local press Harvey estimates there will be an additional 332 truck trips per day after expansion, with 75 percent of traffic through Westborough and 25 percent through Hopkinton.

Other opponents of the project express concern about the effect the facility would have on the underground water table, the emission of polluted air, and the damage to the ecological infrastructure surrounding the facility.

As to other safety considerations, the board was satisfied that with several conditions to minimize potential nuisances, the rest of the proposal is OK.

Harvey’s proposed project would expand the company’s facility in Westborough to around 40 acres in neighboring Hopkinton.

Editorial in support of E.L. Harvey expansion.