The Woodbury Zoning Board of Adjustment has granted Swenson Granite Company conditional approval to expand operations at its granite quarry, including adding a crusher for about 45 days per year and increasing truck traffic.
Approved June 17, the eight-year permit allows up to 32 daily round-trips by trucks, up from the current 22 but fewer than the 50 Swenson had sought. The board said its role was to ensure “no greater detrimental effect on the community will result.”
Conditions address traffic impacts such as road wear, dust, and safety near the school. Gravel trucks must use the original quarry entrance closer to town, and all haul trucks must use that entrance during winter. Sound monitoring is required for at least five days during the first year of crusher operation, with results submitted to the town clerk within 60 days.
Swenson must also work with the town to relocate an emergency communications tower before it is removed due to quarry expansion. The company will need to seek renewed ZBA approval after eight years if operations continue.
Separately, Swenson and the Town of Woodbury have agreed to a 60-day delay in Act 250 proceedings to negotiate fees for the quarry’s impact on local roads. The town had requested details on current and future impacts, arguing for larger payments than Swenson initially offered.
NEK will be looking into the outcome of the fee negotiations and the pending Act 250 district commission review.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: General Kenobi via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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