Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use And Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectmen discuss Lower Ridge sand-and-gravel hauling, possible enforcement; cemetery repairs to move forward
Summary
Selectmen on Feb. 5 discussed complaints that a sand-and-gravel operation on Lower Ridge was hauling material without clear permitting; the operator dropped off an excavation permit application the same day and DES said the site likely did not meet its disturbance threshold. The board agreed to consult the town attorney and the planning board if
LOUDON, N.H. — The Board of Selectmen on Feb. 5 discussed complaints that Mountain Sand & Gravel (site referred to as Lower Ridge) had been hauling material from a site without clear permitting and that the operation might be exporting substantial material from the property.
Permitting and enforcement: Selectmen and staff said the operator delivered an excavation-permit application and payment to the town offices the afternoon of Feb. 5. Town staff reported repeated conversations with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES); DES told staff that the disturbance likely fell near the agency’s investigation threshold and that DES had not opened enforcement because, in the agency’s view, it did not clearly meet the statutory threshold for action.
Selectmen’s direction: The board agreed to forward existing compiled information to town counsel for legal advice, to check planning-board records for any grandfathering or historical permits, and to revisit the matter at the next meeting. If the applicant has not completed permitting steps, selectmen said they may pursue cease-and-desist authority or require that hauling stop pending review.
Cemetery repairs and fencing: Selectmen also reviewed plans to repair village cemetery stonework, re-lay a portion of fence, and restore gate hardware. Contractors provided quotes; a local blacksmith proposed time-and-materials work to rehabilitate historic gate elements. The board authorized staff to lock in contractors’ schedules and proceed with work in spring, unless revised bids change the cost materially.
Ending: Selectmen said they would keep the public informed about the Lower Ridge permit status and cemetery work schedule and would consult the town attorney to determine any immediate enforcement steps.
