We are a small coalition of citizens in Morrisville, Vermont united against the proposed quarrying of silica in the corn fields next to our homes.

Several years ago, a developer bought the 437 acres and began the Act 250 process to develop 89 acres of it into the largest industrial park in Northern Vermont. Part of that development included a ten year project to quarry a stone ledge to grade to make just 3 more building lots. Quarrying stone, new quarrying activities, at least, are not permitted in this area because the Town Plan says its incompatible with the residential nature of this area. Within the discovery and permitting process, about a year ago, we insisted the stone be sampled to determine its characteristics, since there is an asbestos mine in the visible distance, the possibility that the stone here is the same vein or similar was very real.

Three stone samples were sent to the lab, all three samples came back 100% silica. Newly fractured silica is very dangerous as it makes new chemical bonds that are deadly. Beyond that, any silica inhaled can cause silicosis, cancer, COPD, lung and kidney disease.

We raised the alarm in our neighborhood and doubled down in our fight against the quarry.

There are so many other impacts that a project and quarry of this size will have, with the extraction proposed to be nearly 500,000 tons of silica over the ten years. Drawing and then flushing 28,000 gallons of water every day, 15 gallons per person. Impacts on wetlands and endangered species. Impacts on stormwater, on local rivers, impacts on noise and dust, traffic impacts from 1890 cars in and then out again every day, and the haul trucks, oh, the trucks.. first to remove 42 acres of top soil, then to haul load after load of silica gravel out and up and down route 100.

I'd like to share a little documentary film that we made about the situation with the help of filmmaker Aynsley Floyd who donated her time and expertise. https://youtu.be/W45nGPu0_iM

Also a short I made last year in my studio describing the industrial park itself: https://youtu.be/jF_qU5QJpfE

Now that we are at the end of the Act 250 process, we are raising funds to defend our position in Environmental Court.

We have been supported to date entirely by volunteer work, many long days and nights over almost 4 years. We will continue to give our time and now will take the expertise needed to the next level in Environmental Court. We are seeking your financial support to pay for our legal defense.