3M submits revised stormwater management plan for quarry

By Katie Wagner, Staff Writer
   MONTGOMERY — 3M Co. recently submitted its revised stormwater management plan for its quarry and roofing granules production plant.
   The company’s application is scheduled to be reviewed by the Development Review Committee on Dec. 27, said Cheryl Chrusz, the township’s administrative assistant for planning and zoning. If the Development Review Committee determines 3M’s application to be complete, it will be heard by the Planning Board.
   On Sept. 24, 3M informally presented revisions to a stormwater management plan that had received preliminary approval in 2003. 3M officials had previously said the plan was changed as a result of its plans to close the quarry, which was announced in June.
   Over the past four years, the township has expressed its dissatisfaction with how 3M’s operations have affected water and air quality in surrounding areas.
   According to township officials, the air quality has improved but the water quality in brooks and tributaries adjacent to 3M has not because of the continued runoff of mineral fines from the property. The announcement of 3M’s closure has heightened township officials’ concerns about the water quality issue, which were described in a letter sent to the state Department of Environmental Protection in August.
   During the Sept. 24 meeting, township officials suggested 3M apply for a deed restriction that would prevent future users of the property from producing roofing granules before formally submitting another application.
   Francis Linnus, the attorney representing 3M for the application, said the local 3M operation has not received the go-ahead from corporate officials at 3M regarding the deed restriction issue. He added that 3M is providing a “better” stormwater management plan, but declined to provide details.
   Keith Jacobs, plant manager for 3M’s Belle Mead operation and representatives of CMX, the company hired by 3M to serve as consulting managers for the project, did not return phone calls.