Should I roll up my car windows when driving by the Brickyard Quarry on Route 237 in Gorham?

According to the town and state, no problem, breathe it in. According to neighbors and residents, roll up! The emissions from the quarry and asphalt plants are a danger to our health. During the work week, the smell of asphalt permeates Route 237 and residents, not just from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but 24/7 operations as allowed by the town. Drive by at midnight and prepare to be shocked by the activity.

In addition, large crushed rockpiles stand at the ready for a willing customer. The piles of rock significantly exceed the height of berms that are required by the town to mitigate dust from spreading past the quarry boundaries. Spraying water on the piles is an effective mitigation step related to dust, but we see no evidence of their regular use. These heavy industrial activities are occurring on the fringe of downtown Gorham in residential neighborhoods. Why are the town and state not actively regulating them?

Town citizens are now standing up to fight against quarries in their neighborhoods. Alfred, Sebago and Winthrop are recent examples of town residents saying “No.” Gorham citizens also need to stand up and demand that town government take an active role in regulating these businesses.

Charles Hamblen
Gorham