VULCAN — A request from Payne & Dolan Inc. to establish a gravel pit in a rural residential district of Norway Township will get a further look from the township’s planning commission, although a proposal to allow a mobile asphalt plant at the site met firm opposition from residents during a public hearing Monday.

About 50 citizens attended, none of whom raised a hand in support of the conditional use permit.

“This is a lot for us to take in right now,” Commission Chairman Bob Girardi said of objections raised to the proposed project on a 14.7-acre parcel near N2960 U.S. 2 at the Waucedah Township border in Loretto.

The panel will meet again at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at the Township Hall in Vulcan to review the issues raised and what conditions might be placed on a permit, should one be granted.

Any final decision would likely come at a later meeting, Girardi said.

“I don’t understand why we’d even consider this,” said township resident Carl Alwine, one of about a dozen residents who addressed the panel.

Giradi noted as well “a stack of letters” objecting to the request and very few in favor.

Residents on Monday cited a host of concerns, including smoke, dust, noise, increased traffic, odors and potential groundwater contamination.

Township Supervisor Don Byczek said the panel is obligated to give Payne & Dolan a decision within 60 days. Due diligence is required in considering the permit request, he said.

Among the courses that could come up for discussion is a gravel operation absent an asphalt plant, he acknowledged.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.