News
Mining company will be allowed to blast
By Michael D. Bates | Hernando Today
Published: December 12, 2012
BROOKSVILLE - Despite complaints from residents, county commissioners Tuesday approved a rezoning of 112 acres in the Ridge Manor area to expand mining operations along U.S. 301.Published: December 12, 2012
Several people are concerned that E.R. Jahna Industries must blast the limestone on the property, breaking it apart to loosen the rock.
That blasting will typically be done once every few months, or as needed to meet the market demand for limestone.
Residents were worried that expanding the mining classification would exacerbate the problems caused from blasting already going on in the area.
Nancy Frizelle, president of Whispering Oaks Estates Homeowners Association, said the blasts are causing damage to homes.
"Floors, ceiling and walls cracking, as well as window seals (are) broken," Frizelle wrote in a letter to commissioners. "These are visible damages. An additional concern for us is for the structural integrity of the walls and foundations and in ground pools of our homes."
Mining representatives assured commissioners the blasting will be done according to prescribed conditions and will not cause property damage.
The company plans to notify residents via public service announcements in the area of the schedule of blasting.
The mine is not increasing operations, only extending the lime rock resources.
Also Tuesday:
The parcel is currently used as a water treatment facility and the fire station will share utilities on the site.
The new station will serve the central Spring Hill area, which staff says represents 26 percent of the district's total call volume.
The district hopes to build a permanent station there in the future.
The facility will fill a gap in service in the central Spring Hill area, consisting of a 2-mile radius between Deltona Boulevard, Lema Drive, Landover Boulevard and County Line Road.
Heard is asking for $25,000 to help defray costs and help with traffic control.
Commissioners will continue to discuss plans and will return at a later meeting.