PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 4, 2024
The town of Gorham has two rock quarries and one asphalt plant close to the center of town. Quarries affect air quality, increase health risks, create noise pollution and water contamination, cause habitat destruction, decrease property values and challenge structural integrity of surrounding residences. Yes, we need quarries. However, quarries can be regulated in such a way to decrease the impact on the neighbors and surrounding environment. The Gorham quarry regulations are inadequate, and no asphalt plant regulations exist. Gorham should place a moratorium on all quarry expansions, limit the size of blasting and the amount of aggregate and traffic leaving the quarries each month while monitoring air emissions 24/7. ~ Charles Hamblen, Gorham