June 30, 2025, Planning Board Special Meeting Transcript - WEHI

9 of 70 sheets Page 33 to 36 of 175 08/07/2025 02:56:42 PM 33 THE PUBLIC: Will there be any pre-blast1 surveys or monitoring in place due to the hardness and2 unpredictability of fracturing the basalt?3 THE WITNESS: Well, I understand that there4 will be, that's a owner decision, but that has been our5 recommendation and I believe the owner is intending to6 perform that, but I can't speak for them.7 THE PUBLIC: So you're suggesting to the8 developer that they conduct seismic monitoring and9 pre-blast surveys in nearby structures and vibration10 control measures?11 THE WITNESS: That's a common recommendation12 I make for any development project or request.13 THE PUBLIC: Would you say that basalt14 blasting is typically louder and more destructive than15 blasting in soft rock or soil?16 THE WITNESS: I would say that's a relative17 term, because it depends on a person's perception of18 sound and vibration.19 THE PUBLIC: And what concerns do you have20 for residents and for environmental protection in that21 area, do you have any concerns?22 THE WITNESS: If the excavation is done23 properly under the guidance of a qualified professional,24 then I expect everything would be done properly and that25 34 risk would be mitigated.1 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: I believe the zoning2 ordinance has protections in the building department for3 blasting. It's sent down from the state and the4 township. We have had this before with blasting, so5 there are guard rails.6 Mr. Plocker.7 MR. PLOCKER: Yeah. And if I may add,8 looking at a portion of the January 29 transcript, I am9 not going to read it line by line but Pages 14 to 1510 this was discussed and I believe, I won't quote you, and11 I think it's going to be up to the building department12 once they get the documents, they will work with the13 engineering firm to ensure that everything is within14 code and within state regulations and I am skipping a15 few lines and I went on to make a representation on16 behalf of my client -- yeah, I said that "It's standard17 procedure of my client throughout this process and any18 period of compliance will be working with the towns19 professionals in connections with that as I expect to20 many others as well."21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.22 THE PUBLIC: With regard specifically to23 basalt that you found, could blasting introduce new24 fractures and weak points on the slope?25 35 THE WITNESS:

hers as well."21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.22 THE PUBLIC: With regard specifically to23 basalt that you found, could blasting introduce new24 fractures and weak points on the slope?25 35 THE WITNESS: Well, with any rock if, where1 the energy's introduced, it could introduce breakage.2 But if properly implemented, design and implemented3 controlled blasting techniques are used that amount of4 energy is significantly reduced, if not eliminated5 beyond that hole. So at periphery air cushion that's6 created by the control blasting techniques.7 THE PUBLIC: And when you destabilize a8 slope or possible destabilization, what risk, what other9 risks could be there, like what would that cause?10 THE WITNESS: I'm sorry, I'm not -- could11 you rephrase it.12 THE PUBLIC: Sure. So if you, if this slope13 does come destabilized because of the fractures,14 potential fractures, weak points, what other risks could15 that cause where we checked out the stabilization?16 THE WITNESS: Well, that's somewhat17 speculative. I guess I would --18 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: I'm sorry, I'm going to19 stop that. He didn't testify to that, but there are20 state ordinances and there will be post blasting testing21 done by the ordinance and by state rules on how blasting22 is done. If there's an issue that has to be addressed23 through the state and the local government will ensure24 stability and that covers that.25 36 MR. AFRAN: May I.1 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Mr. Afran.2 MR. AFRAN: I would respectfully disagree3 with the Chairs position on that. Because the question4 of risk is inherent in the testimony as to stability.5 And since the witness testified that this is a stable6 structure, I think the question of risk associated with7 it is within the scope of his testimony. So I8 respectfully disagree with --9 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: He wants to know10 afterwards if it happens. He wasn't talking about risk,11 he was saying if this happens what next.12 So then rephrase the question. Ask13 specifically about risk as opposed to what happens14 afterwards because that's what he was asking.15 MR. AFRAN: I heard the question concerning16 the question of risk, I thought it was relevant. If17 that's not what the speaker is asking, that's a18 different issue.19 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: The speaker asked what20 happens afterwards, so that's where we went. Okay. I21 have no problem with that.22 THE PUBLIC: I guess what is that

is asking, that's a18 different issue.19 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: The speaker asked what20 happens afterwards, so that's where we went. Okay. I21 have no problem with that.22 THE PUBLIC: I guess what is that potential23 risk? I will rephrase --24 THE WITNESS: Yeah, if you don't mind,25