A packed agenda and a crowded township hall greeted the Bridgewater board at its Oct. 15 meeting.

Topping the agenda was the appointment of a new supervisor to serve the remainder of Carol Peacock’s term and the application by Stansley Mineral Resources to expand mining in the township.

Setting the tone for discussion of the proposed gravel pit, Willow Road resident Bonnie Shadley used the public comment to report noise and apparent operation of Stansley’s existing mining operation outside permitted hours.

Peacock responded that people can contact Stansley directly with any concerns.

Chip Tokar of Stansley, present to report on the ongoing upgrade of Bartlett Road and the proposed extension of mining into an area at the corner of Hogan and Willow Roads, told residents they should contact him with complaints. Several residents said that it was important for the township to know about infractions and keep a record of problems.

In response to a request from the board, Glenn Burkhardt of TetraTech MPS outlined steps for an independent study of the possible impact of the new mining operation, which would create a 50-foot deep, 52- to 58-acre lake in what is now a farm field that was tiled to make it arable.

He proposed a three-phase study that would evaluate information pertinent to the Inland Lakes and Streams hearing by the DEQ on Oct. 21, address health and safety issues and review technical information.

Burkhardt explained that the initial review consists of sample testing of residential wells around the existing mining operation to gain a better understanding of changes in ground water, a study of run-off patterns to ascertain the way surface run-off is as opposed to what those patterns would be when the mining operation was completed and a review of the hydro-geologic studies conducted by Stansley’s engineers to ask if their assumptions are accurate or complete. In the latter, TetraTech would apply a greater range of the allowed parameters so a broader picture of possible impact could be attained.

The study, costing up to $13,000, could provide information valuable for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) hearing.

Despite the township’s already stretched budget, discussion led to a motion to contract the study with further analysis possible if an application for special land use and mineral extraction permits advances to the township.

Burkhardt assured the board and residents that all engineers working for the township study would be chosen with a concern for conflict of interest.

Many residents also expressed concern not only for the level of ground water but its quality throughout the township.

Trustee Doug Parr noted that numerous parcels in the township recently have been sold for possible mining and development or could be subjects of future mining applications.

"We need to address both the current application to mine and think toward the future," he said. "Setting aside Stansley, the potential for more and more mining in the township exists and it should be addressed sooner rather than later."

A memo from Planning Commission Chair Jim Fish led to a vote to declare a six-month moratorium on new mining in the township, which passed unanimously. Township attorney Bruce Laidlaw will draft the referendum.

Parr suggested forming a committee of two board members, two planning commission members and two citizens at large to review the mineral extraction ordinance and issues in Bridgewater.

Residents interested in serving on the committee should contact Township Clerk Karen Weidmayer at (734) 428-8641.

Laurie Fromhart urged the township to consider drafting and adopting a ground water ordinance in addition to reviewing the mineral extraction.

Cheryl Collins of Huron Ecologic, independent wetlands specialists, explained that Michigan has no groundwater protection laws.

"Townships should consider adopting groundwater ordinances because as it stands, anyone can completely drain your groundwater and you have no legal recourse," she said.

Collins said citizens should lobby for state groundwater legislation to any and all entities they encounter during the current hearings process.

Fromhart reported that another meeting of concerned citizens will take place at the church at the corner of Allen and Clinton Roads tonight at 7 p.m. Information from the Oct. 21 DEQ hearing and organizing further action are on the agenda.

Tied to the mining situation in many residents’ minds, the issue of the Wilbur Road Bridge again elicited board and public comment. Residents fear construction of a 77-ton cement box beam bridge could hamper the township’s ability to regulate gravel train traffic along Hogan and Wilbur Roads.

Peacock reported that the hamlet sewer project is still being reviewed by the state. Parr asked when the township should begin drafting an ordinance for allotment of hook-ups. Peacock replied that would be a good discussion topic at the project meeting.

Peacock announced that the William and Barbara Stucki property on Austin Road has been purchased by Washtenaw County for the Natural Areas Program, so the board should consider rezoning the land in question from Agriculture to Conservation Preservation. It was moved and passed, with Weidmayer abstaining, to amend the official zoning map to reflect the change of the Stucki property to Conservation Preservation.

The board decided to table another zoning issue, amendment of the land division ordinance, until November when the township attorney could present a draft.

All board members expressed a need to further examine the Open Space Amendment.

Parr said, "I still have questions and a real problem with the five acre minimum."

Fish asked the board to detail their concerns and return the amendment to the Planning Commission for further work and consideration.

A township clean-up day is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 1 at the township hall. People willing to volunteer to help may contact Wade Peacock at (517) 456-7303.

The next board meeting takes place at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Bridgewater Township Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend.