The plan approved by the Zoning Board on Oct. 20 allows Meyer to use an underwater dredging process.

Cary’s Board of Zoning, Planning and Appeals voted Oct. 20 to recommend approval of Meyer Material Company’s amendment to Special Use petition.

In May a 4-1 “no” decision for an extension was affirmed by the Zoning Board.

The mining operation proved contentious since it began in 2008. Noise, dust, and missed deadlines fueled the ire of nearby residents.

Residents of the surrounding area believed the property values, along with their ability to sell diminished since Meyer began mining.

In an effort to meet the objectives of the Village Comprehensive Plan, Meyer submitted a request to amend the petition at the Oct. 4 Village Board meeting. Meyer set forth three possible plans for moving forward with mining and restoration.

As the discussion progressed, it became clear that Meyer intended to use two of the three plans. The board approved Meyer’s request, which allowed the amendment to proceed to the Zoning Board meeting for approval.

Since the May decision, Meyer began paying monthly fines of $100,000 per month. Because of these expenses, mining halted and resources redirected to restoration efforts required by the original petition.

Meyer submitted two plans using a cutter hedge dredge, which is equipment that keeps the majority of the mining process under water. The Zoning Board approved a plan to operate 24 hours a day Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Meyer projects complete mining and restoration by June 2018. The second plan, which the Zoning Board rejected, involved shorter hours and an extended timeline to project completion: 12-hour operation of the dredging Monday through Friday with a June 2019 restoration projection.

The plan approved by the Zoning Board on Oct. 20 allows Meyer to use an underwater dredging process. Acoustics studies indicate the noise level of the dredging process will be equivalent to “white noise,” or “minimally audible” according to acoustic consultant Thomas Thunder.

Board member Frank O’Laughlin did not participate in the meeting because he is an employee of Meyer Material, and member Neil Williams was absent. Board member Eric Kretschmer was the sole opposing vote on the 24-hour proposal, and the sole yes vote on the 12-hour proposal.

Citizens addressing both the Village Board and the Zoning Board continue to express concerns and called for operation’s shut down.

“In May, we heard [citizen] concerns about dust and noise,” Trustee David Chapman said at the Oct. 4 Village Board meeting. “We want to address them, and now [they] object to that. The people want a lake similar to the one in Crystal Lake. We put it in the Comprehensive Plan. The end product of the Meyer’s operation will be that lake.”

The Village Board was expected to vote on the Amendment Nov. 1.