Terrace Park Village Council is contemplating an official position on a proposed underground limestone mine in Anderson Township.

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Tim Mara, a Cincinnati attorney who represents residents near the proposed mine site, conducted an informational meeting for council members and residents on Thursday, Oct. 9, about the effect the Martin Marietta Materials mine would have on the village.

Martin Marietta Materials applied for a conditional-use permit for an underground limestone mine on 480 acres of property near Broadwell and Round Bottom roads, and variances for storage of explosive materials.

Mara explained the process of excavating aggregate material at the mine site and the potential problems that could arise from operation.

He said the biggest concerns for Terrace Park would be vibrations from blasting and trucks, as well as dust migrating across the river.

Mara pointed out that Terrace Park is 1,500 feet from the proposed mine's processing plant and 250 feet from Martin Marietta Materials' property line.

"There are a number of impurities in limestone dust," Mara said.

He noted that the company's own Material Safety Data Sheet said "inhalation of excessive particulate matter may cause respiratory problems."

Anderson Township resident Katie Ropar showed photos of dust-covered roads and facilities from her Oct. 7 visit to operating mines owned by Martin Marietta Materials in Indiana.

Ropar said when she spoke to residents who live near the mine, the residents told her the vibrations could be felt and it often seemed like they were mining under the house.

Residents who attended the meeting raised other questions about the mine including noise, pollution and devaluation of property.

Councilman Jim Muennich said he is unsure about the believability of experts who are testifying on behalf of Martin Marietta Materials at the Anderson Township Board of Zoning Appeals hearings.

Muennich said he would like conditions added to the permit, if granted, that would allow recourse if the mine does not meet the assurances of no vibrations and similar promises.

"We have a tough opponent," Mara said. "We want to beat it at the zoning level."

To help, he suggested concerned residents show up to meetings in large numbers and voice their opposition with specific facts.

"(This mine) should not be built," Terrace Park Solicitor Bob Malloy said. "It's an incredible impact on the community."

Terrace Park Council will vote on a resolution to oppose the mine at the Oct. 14 meeting, in time for the Oct. 15 Anderson Township Board of Zoning Appeals hearing continuation.

The vote took place after the Eastern Hills Journal went to press. Check www.communitypress.com for updates.