Residents of Fox Hollow, North Coplay, again appeared before Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners to vent their anger with the sticky dust found on their vehicles, patio furniture and houses, debris believed to be coming from dumping clean fill into the former Coplay Cement quarry.

The quarry, located east of North Coplay Road and west of the former Conrail/Norfolk Southern Rail Line along the Lehigh River, is owned by MCK/ Michael Hobel.

Residents at the meeting Oct. 10 demanded the township shut down the operation.

Commissioner Joseph J. Marx Jr. cited three violations he contends are taking place at the site that are not in compliance with the earlier resolution granted to UGI for dumping clean fill into the quarry. He supported the request that the dumping of materials into the quarry be stopped.

Marx based his argument not on the clean air issues the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) is investigating, since there is no report or findings yet delivered, but rather on hours of operation, gate closings and transfer station regulations that are being violated.

The audience burst into applause upon hearing Marx state he wanted the quarry to be shut down, suggesting UGI not be allowed to bring any deposits from street openings to the quarry.

In leading the protest movement calling for a resolution of the issue, Chris Feidler, a Fox Hollow resident, brought several pictures showing the alleged violations and a stack of dirty air filter screens from air conditioners he said have to be changed every month, if not more often, in his home.

“How much proof do you need?” Marx asked his fellow township officials at one point during the lengthy talks.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said, after the issue was discussed at the September meeting, he called PADEP and received a return call three days later.

PADEP has placed cameras in the Fox Hollow development and reportedly is taking samples.

Board of commissioners President Phillips Armstrong said he toured the neighborhood and witnessed cars coated with the sticky substance.

“I saw the dust,” he said, adding the condition is unacceptable.

“We breathe this in. It’s a serious issue,” said Valerie Umstead, a Fox Hollow resident.

“I’m not doubting anything you say,” township Engineer Frank Clark said.

However, Clark said he has to wait for the independent laboratory and PADEP results.

Commissioner Philip Ginder said there should be police enforcement regarding the issue.

Hozza stated an option for the residents, individually or as a class action, is to file a civil suit for damages.

“We all agree with you. It’s a bad situation. Your pictures will finally help,” Armstrong said.