Planning Board raises fire and environmental concerns about local gravel pit stump piles

At its March 17 work session the Bartlett Planning Board focused on safety and reclamation at a privately owned gravel pit operated by Sean Shannon. "Volume estimates we have 20,000 cubic yards which convert to 10-wheeler 1500 dump truck loads," Planning Board member David Shedd said after an on-site inspection, and members warned that tall, compacted stump piles could create a serious fire risk in windy conditions.

Board members described practical measures they want the owner to consider. "At the very least it should get divided into like five piles and cuts through them in four different places to separate them," Shedd said, summarizing field observations. Members discussed mechanical grinding, potential market uses for ground material (mulch or capping material), and the possibility that prolonged stockpiling could create tannic-acid runoff that may affect groundwater; Kevin Bennett specifically raised the groundwater concern.

The board agreed not to unilaterally order remediation before confirming its legal authority but directed the Planning Board secretary to research relevant RSA language and discuss options with the owner. Scott Grant said he would invite Mr. Shannon to the April 6 meeting or send a written request so the matter is on the record. The board also discussed practical mitigation steps—creating 15–20-foot access aisles through the pile to improve firefighting access—and noted local contractor costs (one contractor cited to the board estimated about $4,000 per day for excavation services).