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Utica: LaFarge pledges to look into vibrations from quarry blasting

Company will install seismographs in places of concerns

A new sign reads North Utica Village Hall and Community Center in Utica on Wednesday Nov. 9, 2021. The Village purchased the former Waltham South School building last year and converted it into offices, meeting rooms and a community center. The building is about ninety percent complete and will be open officially at the beginning of 2022.

LaFarge isn’t sure why Utica residents are feeling vibrations after quarry blasting — the blasts are well below regulation — but company officials said Thursday they’ll look into why and try to fix it.

Robert Sapp, operations manager for LaFarge, and plant manager Cody Tucker offered to install seismographs in places of concern and to explore ways to cut down on disruptions reported in the village.

“We’re going to take this very seriously,” Sapp said, pledging to open a line of communications. “We can also have somebody come here, an expert, and tell you a little bit more about that.”

LaFarge had a blast last week that set the phones ringing at the Utica Village Hall. Trustees were quick to assure their concerned constituents they felt it too.

“My entire house shakes,” said Trustee John Schweickert. “There absolutely are vibrations. There are things falling off walls. We have a lot of citizens come forward.”

“The one two or three weeks ago knocked pictures off my wall,” said Trustee Jim Schrader. “I can literally feel it in my shop, which is basically a mile away from you guys.”

As a goodwill gesture, LaFarge presented the village with a $1,500 donation for the fireworks and earlier donated $500 to the Little League.

Tom Collins

Tom Collins

Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.