The Times Leader’s Jan. 23 story on the court case dealing with the Small Mountain Quarry focused on the complex legal issues raised in the appeal of the zoning hearing board’s decision.

However, it ignored the human consequences of the decision.

If the Small Mountain Quarry is forced to close, 150 workers will lose their jobs. Many of these workers will have to take lower-paying jobs or seek work outside of Luzerne County.

This court case isn’t some abstract legal debate that has no impact on real people. How this case is resolved will determine whether 150 families can continue to rely on Small Mountain Quarry for their livelihoods.

Jeffrey S. Dewalt
Quarry superintendent, Small Mountain Quarry
Dorrance Township