Township extends Buck Mining permit to July 17; residents urge paving of Pine Hill Road

The Millstone Township Committee voted to extend a current mining permit for Buck Mining and Materials, Inc. to July 17, 2024, giving staff time for engineering review and verification of the company’s tax status after the application was filed late.

Clerk read Resolution 24‑162, noting that Township Code §22‑4.2 requires an application be filed at least 30 days before the hearing and that the June 13 filing did not meet that requirement. The clerk told the committee the municipal engineer had not had an opportunity to review or inspect the mine site and that no permit would be issued until the applicant submits proof that real estate taxes on the subject property are current.

During the public portion, nearby resident Anthony Lombardino (14 Holdman) said the section of Pine Hill Road used by Buck Mining “tears up the road terribly” and described numerous potholes and failing patches. Lombardino said residents had been told paving would wait until the mine ceased operations and that repeated permit extensions have delayed repairs. He also asked why trucks do not exit onto Bears Road and requested additional street lighting at the Milstone Road intersection for safety.

William, speaking for Buck Mining, said the company expects the permit extension to July 17 and that staff are discussing patching and possible cost‑sharing with the township until full paving and restoration can occur. “We’re going to be extended till July 17th,” William said. He also said the company is working on catching up tax payments and that crews will supply a sweeper for road cleanup when needed.

Committee members acknowledged the resident concerns and emphasized the extension’s purpose: to allow the municipal engineer to review the application and for the company to remedy any tax delinquencies. Officials said staff (including Kevin) will monitor road conditions and compliance with truck routing; the township said it will require Buck Mining to repair roads if inspections show the company is responsible for the damage. The committee set July 17 as the next meeting to revisit the permit.

Resolution 24‑162 (temporary extension of mining permit for Buck Mining and Materials, Inc., block 28, lots 11 and 13.01) was adopted on a roll call: Deputy Mayor Chris Morris — yes; Committee person Jeff Ziner — yes; Mayor Al Farah — yes.

The committee also noted informal interest from a regional university and county representatives in the property’s long‑term future and said any sale or reuse would be discussed in future meetings. The permit extension provides time for the engineer’s report and a final decision at the July 17 township committee meeting.