I hope all can be worked out.
Plainfield supervisors pledge to act on complaints about wood pellet company[/size]Residents say noise, fumes from Treecycle are excessive.
By Tom De Martini
Special to The Morning Call
April 9, 2009
Plainfield Township supervisors pledged to work with residents concerned about excessive noise and possible noxious fumes emanating from a company manufacturing wood pellets for use as fuel.
Supervisors told about 50 residents at Wednesday night's meeting that timely action will be taken to ensure TreeCycle complies with all zoning ordinances.
The New Jersey-based company, which is just getting started at its Plainfield Township location, takes larger pieces of wood and grinds them into pellets. The grinding process has produced noise levels that are at least 18 decibels higher than township maximum levels, according to supervisor Randy Heard and zoning officer Charles Knecht.
''We took [noise] readings and they were way over the acceptable levels,'' Heard said.
Supervisors agreed to look into hiring a noise engineer to compile evidence and possibly testify in court should the township file a cease and desist injunction against the company.
''A sound engineer's evidence and testimony will certainly be important,'' township solicitor David Backenstoe said. He added that residents -- in addition to township officials -- can contact the state Department of Environmental Protection about smoke coming from the plant.
Supervisors invited TreeCycle owner Bob Taggart to attend the meeting to allay some of the residents' fears but he declined.
Philip Gruber, who lives on Bangor Road near the plant, said his home shakes from the vibrations of the grinding machine and smoke billows over his property.
Darryl Bierly of Awesome Drive, urged supervisors to act fast. ''You are responsible to make sure that TreeCycle lives within the zoning. The odor and plumes of smoke are unbearable for some people,'' he said.
Supervisor Matt Glennon said he visited the plant and Taggart told him the plant was hiring a consultant to help mitigate the noise.
''We're taking this seriously,'' said supervisor chairman Tim Frankenfield. ''We won't be trifled with on this.''
Knecht said he would advise giving TreeCycle until the end of the month to come into compliance.
Tom De Martini is a freelance writer
Copyright © 2009, The Morning Call
Plainfield supervisors pledge to act on complaints about wood pellet company[/size]Residents say noise, fumes from Treecycle are excessive.
By Tom De Martini
Special to The Morning Call
April 9, 2009
Plainfield Township supervisors pledged to work with residents concerned about excessive noise and possible noxious fumes emanating from a company manufacturing wood pellets for use as fuel.
Supervisors told about 50 residents at Wednesday night's meeting that timely action will be taken to ensure TreeCycle complies with all zoning ordinances.
The New Jersey-based company, which is just getting started at its Plainfield Township location, takes larger pieces of wood and grinds them into pellets. The grinding process has produced noise levels that are at least 18 decibels higher than township maximum levels, according to supervisor Randy Heard and zoning officer Charles Knecht.
''We took [noise] readings and they were way over the acceptable levels,'' Heard said.
Supervisors agreed to look into hiring a noise engineer to compile evidence and possibly testify in court should the township file a cease and desist injunction against the company.
''A sound engineer's evidence and testimony will certainly be important,'' township solicitor David Backenstoe said. He added that residents -- in addition to township officials -- can contact the state Department of Environmental Protection about smoke coming from the plant.
Supervisors invited TreeCycle owner Bob Taggart to attend the meeting to allay some of the residents' fears but he declined.
Philip Gruber, who lives on Bangor Road near the plant, said his home shakes from the vibrations of the grinding machine and smoke billows over his property.
Darryl Bierly of Awesome Drive, urged supervisors to act fast. ''You are responsible to make sure that TreeCycle lives within the zoning. The odor and plumes of smoke are unbearable for some people,'' he said.
Supervisor Matt Glennon said he visited the plant and Taggart told him the plant was hiring a consultant to help mitigate the noise.
''We're taking this seriously,'' said supervisor chairman Tim Frankenfield. ''We won't be trifled with on this.''
Knecht said he would advise giving TreeCycle until the end of the month to come into compliance.
Tom De Martini is a freelance writer
Copyright © 2009, The Morning Call
