Committee postpones quarry expansion case after large public turnout citing blasts, dust and health concerns
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Summary
Will County deferred a mining/quarrying zoning request to January after the applicant asked for additional time and numerous residents from Bolingbrook, Plainfield and nearby neighborhoods testified about blasts, dust, health impacts and property damage. Staff noted the existing operation is regulated by Bolingbrook and currently holds CCDD and concrete/asphalt permits.
The Land Use and Development Committee postponed consideration of a broad mining and quarrying application after the applicant requested more time; many residents attended and urged the committee to deny any expansion into unincorporated Will County.
The application (ZC24066) sought I‑3 zoning and special uses to allow mining/quarrying with blasting, concrete and asphalt mixing, and handling of clean construction and demolition debris. Staff explained the applicant asked to postpone the item until the January meeting so they can address resident concerns.
During public comment, speakers from Plainfield, Bolingbrook and adjacent subdivisions described frequent blasting at the nearby quarry, claimed dust accumulation in homes and schools, and cited health and safety impacts. Vipul Chopra, a Bolingbrook resident and HOA board member, said: “We as a community unanimously oppose this project.” Willa Williams described increased dust and allergy symptoms: “I have to clean my registers on a regular basis… I am concerned for air quality.”
Staff clarified that the existing quarry currently operates under the Village of Bolingbrook’s jurisdiction, holds a CCDD permit and conducts blasting and concrete/asphalt mixing on site; the application seeks to add unincorporated county approvals and extend the operation’s longevity, including future underground mining subject to setbacks.
Committee members accepted the applicant’s request to postpone and set the next county hearing for January; staff encouraged objectors and proponents to plan for the continued public comment period. The chair noted that postponement does not change the quarry’s current permitted operations in Bolingbrook.
What happens next: ZC24066 will return to the Land Use and Development Committee in January; community members may present additional testimony and staff will track outstanding compliance and permitting questions.