The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

November 5, 2009

UPDATE: Residents want action on sawmill dust, noise

By Tom Davidson

WHEATLAND — Wheatland residents’ problems with the noise and dust associated with a local lumber mill have been growing for years.

Last year, and again Wednesday, Roberta McFarland and Sharon Wright took their complaints about Omega Inc.’s sawmill operations at Broadway and Council avenues to borough council

A year ago, council President Ronald Viglio said officials would work to resolve things.

On Wednesday, the women again asked council why the problems have persisted.

“How would you like to be woken up at 3 o’clock or a quarter to 4 in the morning?” Mrs. McFarland asked.

That’s when she claims trucks are loaded and unloaded at Omega, creating a racket that wakes her family.

The women also question whether some of Omega’s property is in a commercial zone that restricts lumber work.

Wheatland zoning officer Ed Buczo investigated last year and didn’t find a violation. Viglio said the borough would revisit the issue and try to resolve things this time.

“We’re going to do this now and I want a resolution to things,” Viglio said.

If the problem persisted, the women should have come to council sooner, he said. This time, officials will keep Mrs. McFarland and Mrs. Wright informed about things, he said.

After she left the meeting, Mrs. Wright said she doubted if the issue would be resolved.

It “feels like we’re babysitting” when they attend council meetings. “That’s what we do, ask the same questions all the time and get no results,” Mrs. Wright said.

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