The Swampscott, Mass., Zoning Board of Appeals this week approved installation of a new rock crusher in the Aggregate Industries quarry.
Company General Manager Jim Prendergast said the company is purchasing a new $5 million crusher that would reduce noise significantly.
"It's a different type of crusher and there wouldn't be anymore of the annoying thump, thump that is produced by the crusher we currently use," Prendergast said.
Prendergast said the new crusher would be installed 100 feet deeper in the quarry than the primary crusher that is in use now.
"It should help alleviate dust concerns. We believe the neighborhood will be happy with the improvements once the new crusher is up and running," Prendergast said.
Earth Removal Advisory Committee member Dan Dandreo, who was present at the ZBA meeting, said ERAC has been working with Aggregate Industries for 10 years to modernize the operations and reduce the adverse effects on the neighborhood.
"The ERAC has reached the end of a 10-year effort to modernize the operation of the quarry. The primary crusher moving to the bottom of the hole is the final piece of the puzzle," Dandreo said.
Dandreo said ERAC is optimistic that moving the crusher deeper into the quarry will reduce noise and dust.
ZBA member Edward Breed agreed the changes in the quarry operations would benefit the neighborhood.
"There were no opponents present at the meeting. I believe this is something the community supports because it will help alleviate some of its concerns about dust and noise. It's a win-win situation for Aggregate Industries and the town," Breed said.
The ZBA has scheduled a site visit to the quarry on Aug. 25.
"We thought it would be beneficial for the board to see the quarry operations first hand," breed said.
Prendergast said the company would start installing the new crusher as soon as it receives the necessary permits from the town.
"After the mandatory 20-day appeal period we will apply for the building permit and get to work immediately. I expect it will take six to eight months to get the new crusher constructed. I think the neighborhood will be very pleased with the improvements," Prendergast said.
Attorney Chris Drucas, who represents Aggregate Industries, said installing the new crusher is a "monumental task."
"It is a huge project and the site work has been ongoing for some time. Moving the crusher involves changing the roadways and so on. We have ordered equipment and realistically expect to have construction completed six months after receiving the building permit, then it could take a few months to get it fully operational and work the bugs out. This project is something everyone is looking forward to getting done," Drucas said.
Prendergast said after the new crusher is up and running the existing crusher would be dismantled. Daily item