Drilling and blasting company sets sights on Rutherford County, neighbors are concerned
A blasting and drilling company may open a facility on Manus Road off Bradyville Pike in Rutherford County soon and the potential hazards have community members concerned.
Site Engineering Consultants representatives will host a meeting regarding the development at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Bible Church Academy, 6371 Bradyville Pike, to answer questions regarding the development.
The company is required to send letters to neighboring residents regarding the meeting. So far only a handful have been received, said Manus Road resident Kathy Henderson, and that raises an immediate red flag for her.
“From what we can tell, only about three to four people have received notice (about the meeting),” said Henderson, who lives on Manus Road and has not received a letter yet.
In the letter, there’s no mention of MD&B’s intention for the Manus Road property. But one of the neighbors did some research and found the company's background: professional drilling, blasting and foundation services.
Farmers markets in Rutherford County: What you need to know
According to the company website, the blasting and drilling company offers “powerful” and “earths-shattering” results.
What is most concerning is the traffic hazard. Two-lane roads, which have no shoulders, create prime conditions for potential accidents, Henderson said. “There’s no room for error,” she said.
Rutherford County Commissioner Robert Peay met with company officials who told him that everything transported to and form the site will be inert unless it is mixed together.
“They don’t plan to mix them together,” Peay explained. “So there’s very little opportunity for explosives going off.”
Explosives additives will be store in approximately six concrete bunkers on the property. Once a week large trucks will transport products from the facility but smaller vehicles will come and go on a more frequent basis, Peay said.
“My concerns are the traffic down Bradyville Pike and if they are moving something that can explode if the trucks hit,” Peay said.
Peay has been in contact with Kittrell and County fire officials about his concerns.
“I don’t have a problem with anybody’s business as long as the neighbors are OK with it,” Peay said.
Peay said the facility plans have not been submitted or approved by Rutherford County. First, the company is required by law to host a community interest meeting and “make sure it’s all right for the community.”
MTSU Mondays: Degree for public safety servants; Selling Center accepted into consortium
“Whether it goes along with what the people want will make a big difference in my opinion,” Peay said.
To learn more about the company, visit mdandb.com/. Concerns can also be directed to Matt Taylor with Site Engineering Consultants in Murfreesboro, which is handling the meeting. Call 615-890-7901 or email mtaylor@sec-civil.com.
Reach reporter Nancy DeGennaro at degennaro@dnj.com. Keep up with restaurant news by joining Good Eats in the 'Boro (and beyond) on Facebook and follow Murfreesboro Eats on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Rutherford County neighbors concerned over drilling company
