Neighbors say quarry blasting is shaking homes

Whitehall Township residents speak out at commissioners meeting

Cracking in her foundation, door frames coming apart, violent shaking like an earthquake — these are some of the issues Whitehall Township resident Karen Capik-Berman said she was dealing with in her 2-year-old home as a result of nearby quarry blasting.

“I’m a materials engineer ... concrete has absolutely no ability to withstand vibration,” she said.

Capik-Berman and another resident spoke out against the quarry operations during a Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night, during which the board also spoke with representatives of New Enterprise Stone and Line Co. Inc. about their blasting and mineral extraction at the Egypt Quarry at 4160 Chestnut St.

Board Vice President Philip Ginder said the information session came about after New Enterprise inquired if residents had complained about the blasting.

Danny Funk, superintendent for New Enterprise at Nazareth and Martin’s Creek, encouraged residents to come and learn more about the operation, whether through a public discussion meeting to be scheduled in the next few weeks or a tour of the facility.

He added New Enterprise is “heavily” regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and that his company can’t control the construction of nearby homes.

Geo-environmental specialist Stephanie Stewart said the Egypt Quarry blasting occurs usually 9-10 a.m., as required by the DEP. Funk said the company blasts roughly every seven days.

Board President Joseph Marx said residents have made “numerous” complaints about the quarry blasting, and recommended they reach out to their state representative regarding their concerns. He added that options are legally limited due to New Enterprise complying with regulations.

“We all live it and we understand it, and it’s unfortunate, but it’s industry, it’s commerce,” he said. “And I know that’s not a good answer but that’s the hard truth.”

The board didn’t take action Monday.

In other matters, the board approved a bill that would initiate a referendum for replacing the elected position of treasurer with an appointed finance director. Marx said this was in response to the thousands of tax dollars lost in 2017 and 2018 under the treasurer at the time.

He explained that with an appointed position, township government can provide additional oversight.