SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — The township’s zoning hearing board voted Monday to grant the special exception for Heilman Pavement Specialties’ proposed cold-mix asphalt plant to be built at 490 Stoughton Road.

The motion passed with the expectation that Heilman will meet special conditions presented by the board.

Public comment was not accepted during the meeting, though numerous parties concerned about the plant’s effect on Slippery Rock Creek were in attendance. Solicitor Alan Shaddinger said the board met in two executive sessions to go over the case before reaching their decision.

Among the special conditions requested by the township was stormwater management planning, erosion planning, a request for a spill containment area for various runoff, earthen barriers and tree planting for noise and visual screening and the plant.

Shaddinger said it was the right of the opposed parties in the case to appeal the decision. Christopher Coleman said they will be doing just that.

“The appeal process takes 60 days, it’ll take months for a court date,” he said.

Robin Martin, Allegheny County organizer for Food and Water Watch, said starting the appeal process could take the case to the county court level.

“It would be making sure every condition set forth goes through the proper channels, and anything in the dark will be brought to light,” she said.

Marcia E. Carnahan said her residence is 24 feet from the proposed site, and that the result of the hearing made her sad.

“I have a lung condition, my husband has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and they’re going to be right there,” she said.

In the meantime, Coleman said he and other concerned residents will be organizing fundraisers and awareness events around Slippery Rock Creek.

“We’ll have fundraisers, we’ll have Creek Fest, a celebration of the creek. We’ll get more and more info to tell the public what’s going on,” he said.