Area residents continue to seek answers in planned concrete fabrication at Love Point site

The meeting led by DNR Deputy Director of Engineering & Construction Lester “Kelly’’ Wright, set very narrow boundaries around the topics of discussion for the meeting. His presentation centered on re-building existing bulkhead and “future” remediation of the property, including the removal of contaminated gravel, addition of topsoil, grass planting and reforestation effort including planting of over 2,000 new trees. Wright displayed map representations of the property and the proposed changes. Speaking from the sidelines, DNR Engineering & Construction Director Perry Otwell repeatedly told residents their questions about various aspects of the project were not “in-bounds”. The lack of response from DNR officials served to further spur the audience’s fervor.

Kokosing and McLean VP of Engineering and Estimating Scott Szympruch, charged with the concrete fabrication, answered questions concerning the wash-out process — each concrete truck must be washed out before leaving the pour site in order for the barrel to remain free of cured concrete; the scheduling of truck traffic relative to the traffic at either school — Kent Island High School or Lighthouse Christian Academy, as well as the Kent Island Senior Center, and questions relative to the fabrication process.

Specifically asked whether the Love Point site would be used for future phases of the bridge redecking, both Szympruch and Wright deflected those answers as out of the scope of this particular meeting.

Wright showed several maps which detail the draft plans for the site’s https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/baybridgeproject.aspx On the map, the area designated for casting lies adjacent to the water’s edge. When asked directly, following the presentation, about run-off resulting from the concrete fabrication Szympruch would not go on the record to answer. Szympruch was also asked about his company’s lease for the use of this property, and again refused to provide comment.

Notably, DNR representatives were clear that the current proposal specifies the old decking from the Bay Bridge be dumped into the bay at the mouth of the Chester River. Officials also confirmed two of the three permits needed to proceed with the project had already been received.

Contacted for their response to environmental concerns surrounding the placement of 75-year-old decking in the bay, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Director Alan Girard replied, “CBF urges state officials to provide more detailed information about the proposed concrete staging facility on Kent Island.”

Girard said they had only recently learned the project had been fast-tracked through approvals, “yet the community is just becoming aware of the proposal and its potential impacts on Love Point and the Chesapeake Bay.”

Any plans or requirements to mitigate impacts from this industrial activity or convert the facility to parkland after it serves its purpose should be fully vetted with the public before decisions are made, Girard added.

On Feb. 28, county commissioners again heard from concerned residents during their meeting’s public comment portion.

Dr. Earl Chambers III told the commissioners his citizens group was prepared “to help you, help us by finding a better solution to the problem.” Chambers asked the commissioners to please consider, the cost analysis of alternative sights; the time span which could last two to eight years, and the quantity of trucks and material flowing through the area to complete the project. “There are many concerns here,” Chambers said.

Tracey Moon, also from the Love Point United residents group, expanded on Chambers remarks, imploring the county to conduct an impact study and formally requesting the council hold an open hearing on the matter with all of the involved parties present including Arentz, the Maryland Transportation Authority, DNR and representatives from Kokosing.

Commissioner Jack Wilson said they would take into consideration having the state present to the commission and possibly “even later do our own internal Town Hall.”

Wilson said there is no doubt the road has to be upgraded to support the proposed operation and ensure it is wide enough, recommending the commissioners consider at least ask the state to undertake repaving the access road in advance of construction.

Commissioner Chris Corchiarino agreed it is necessary to gather more information from the state on the scope of the project. “A lot of what is circulating is not accurate,” he said, noting the commissioners are working on gathering more accurate information to share.

Corchiarino acknowledged the DNR presentation did share their plans to dump the concrete in the waterways — which he said was subject to change; he also noted the community presentation by the DNR was not very good.

The date for public comment has been extended until early April. Questions can be directed to lester.wright@maryland.gov as well as Kokosing Construction Company, c/o Scott Szympruch at sszympruch@kokosing.biz.