Land Use and Zoning

Tilcon has applied to rezone over 80 acres of land in Plainville from residential to industrial for the purpose of quarry expansion.
The proposed site borders residential neighborhoods and publicly accessible open space, including the Metacomet Trail.
Tilcon already owns over 100 additional acres in the same area, raising concerns about future expansion and cumulative environmental impact.

Tax Revenue Claims

Tilcon claims the change would increase tax revenue for the town but that simply isn’t true. The proposed rezoning would convert developable residential land into industrial property, resulting in a net negative fiscal impact to the town.
Analysis shows that residential or mixed-use development on this land would generate significantly higher long-term tax revenue than quarry operations.
Expanding industrial use in this area could depress surrounding property values, shift land use away from community growth priorities, and degrade neighborhood cohesion.
Once blasted, the land cannot be restored for residential, recreational, or commercial purposes—representing a permanent loss of tax-generating potential.

Water and Aquifer Protection

The proposed quarry site overlaps with a Level A Aquifer Protection Area, regulated under Connecticut law to safeguard drinking water sources.
Blasting, rock crushing, and other industrial uses are presumed incompatible in Level A zones unless they meet strict exemption criteria.
The site is located in the headwaters of the Quinnipiac River, within a critical habitat and drainage basin that flows into Long Island Sound.
Quarry expansion risks contaminating surface waters, wetlands, and private wells through runoff, dust infiltration, and groundwater disruption.

Wells and Public Health

Hundreds of nearby residents rely on private wells for drinking water which could be at risk for damage or contamination from quarry operations.
The Farmington Valley Health District and South Central Health District have authority over private well protection in the region.
Quarry activity may interfere with well yield, quality, and long-term water table stability.

Stormwater and Environmental Oversight

The area drains into state-regulated watersheds and falls under the jurisdiction of the DEEP Stormwater Permitting and Enforcement Program.
Industrial stormwater runoff could degrade wetland and riparian habitat, including Dead Wood Swamp, The Quinnipiac River, and eventual the Long Island Sound.

State Agency and Regulatory Concerns

The Council on Environmental Quality has previously raised concerns about quarry expansion in this region.
The proposal conflicts with DEEP’s Aquifer Protection Land Use Regulations and may require a detailed environmental impact evaluation.
The site is located within a state-designated Critical Habitat Area, meaning it supports rare, threatened, or endangered species and is subject to additional conservation review and protections.

Trail and Open Space Impact

The proposed quarry is adjacent to the federally designated New England National Scenic Trail (Metacomet Trail), a major recreational resource.
Blasting and industrial operations threaten the trail experience, viewsheds, and the ecological integrity of surrounding public lands.
The trail contributes to regional tourism, outdoor recreation, and quality of life in Farmington Valley and beyond.

Air Quality and Health Risks

Quarry operations generate silica dust, a known human carcinogen, and degrade regional air quality.
Blasting may release particulate matter that poses respiratory risks to nearby neighborhoods.
Increased heavy truck traffic would further compound emissions and noise pollution.