The Issue
Tilcon wants to expand its quarry in Plainville CT, north into land surrounding the Metacomet Trail and Rattlesnake Mountain.  While encroaching on homeowner properties, this action would, without question, degrade air quality for decades and destroy natural areas forever.

Despite owning this land, it is illegal for Tilcon to destroy it for a new quarry.  Tilcon is asking Plainville to allow them, a private business, to rezone this land to their private benefit and the public’s detriment.

Blasting rock releases fine particles, including silica dust, that can travel into nearby neighborhoods and be inhaled by residents.  Although crystalline silica dust is a proven Group 1 carcinogen (International Agency for Research on Cancer), none should expect Tilcon to pick up the hospital bill.

This quarry expansion would permanently destroy at least 83 acres of forested lands, severing a major green corridor and taking away what little space wildlife has left for shelter. As part of the Metacomet Ridge, which extends from Branford CT to Franklin County Mass, this area serves as one of the last remaining places in central Connecticut where wildlife can travel and seek shelter.

If Tilcon is allowed to rezone their land, solely for their own benefit, we can expect the same in Central Connecticut’s future: the rights of private businesses to surpass the public.

Just 7 years ago, Tilcon sought a legal exemption to quarry Class I & II watershed lands nearby in their southern Plainville quarry.  The public spoke up and stopped private profiteers from destroying public land. The time has come again for the public to speak out and fight for what matters most.  With your support, natural space and public health will be protected from destruction and private exploitation.

Sign the petition to ask the Plainville Planning & Zoning Commission to stop this threat to our land, air, and future.

Fill in the box above the “Sign this petition” button and let our leaders know why you oppose this land grab!