Neighbors ask county to probe increased activity, dust and noise at Ferry Road quarry

Neighbors near a Ferry Road rock quarry told the Stephenson County Board on Aug. 12 they are worried about heavier truck traffic, frequent crushing operations and dust that they say may be hazardous. Kevin Silka, a Fairview Road resident, told the board that asphalt and concrete appear to be coming into the site and that the quarry sits near a natural spring. "If he's dumping it into a rock quarry where there's a natural spring, it seems to me that it could be dangerous," Silka said during public comment. Silka and another nearby resident also described louder truck braking, diesel smoke from equipment and dust so severe they had to close their windows and bring animals indoors. The second resident said equipment at the site "blows nasty, nasty black smoke" and that machines lack mufflers. Why it matters: Residents say the quarry borders private wells and a spring; they want assurance that permits and waste-disposal rules are being followed and that the site is not degrading air or groundwater. County zoning staff said they have contacted state agencies. Beth Gilmore, a county zoning official, told the board she contacted the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. According to Gilmore, the IDNR told staff that the operator has the right to mine and blast at the facility under existing permits. Gilmore said the IEPA is "starting a file" and will investigate permits, noise and dust. Gilmore also said the quarry owner, identified in the meeting as Jeffrey, came to her office after she requested a temporary cessation so staff could confirm compliance; he and the previous owner then resumed activity. Gilmore said she and the county emergency management director made a site visit and observed that material piles appeared to be set back from the wet part of the quarry. Discussion vs. decision: The board did not vote on any enforcement action at the meeting. Gilmore said state agencies will review permits and that the county will notify adjacent landowners when the IEPA responds. Residents asked whether county zoning or the Zoning Board of Appeals would hold hearings; Gilmore advised that, because the site is permitted as a quarry, county authority is limited and state review is underway. What remains unclear: Residents asked specifically whether asphalt disposal requires an "EPA evaluation" and whether an IEPA inspection would be shared with them; Gilmore said the IEPA had opened a file and that adjacent landowners would be notified when she receives more information. No test results, dates, or permit numbers were provided at the meeting. Ending: County staff said they would follow up with IEPA and IDNR and notify affected neighbors; residents asked for further contact and suggested the county ensure state findings are shared publicly.