3M Stockpile of the Mineral Fines - February 2003: 3M quarries trap rock and pulverize the rock into small granules for use on roofing shingles. Fine material too small for roofing tiles has been stockpiled on site since the 1960s. The stockpiles cover approximately 40 acres, are 80 feet tall, have no vegetative cover, and have steep side slopes. The Union-Somerset County Soil Conservation District approved a stabilization plan in October 2003 to address these concerns and to reduce the dust and turbid runoff leaving these stockpiles.
Roaring Brook: The 3M main quarry operation discharges stormwater to Roaring Brook, which results in cloudy, turbid conditions in this beautiful mountain stream. 3M removed sediment from this stream in 2000, under order from the NJDEP. Both the NJDEP and local municipalities have approved Stormwater controls to reduce these impairments to the stream. Roaring Brook is partially located on 3M property and in the Somerset County Sourland Preserve, and has been nominated as a Category One waterway, to increase protection of the water quality, to protect the exceptional wetlands in the area, and to protect the habitat of threatened and endangered species recorded here.
Roaring Brook - close-up of turbid conditions. : This photo depicts the milky white, cloudy conditions that result from stormwater runoff from the 3M quarry to Roaring Brook, Cruser Brook and Back Brook. Many national studies have proven that excessively turbid water and sediment deposition can encase fish gills, eggs, larvae and reduce the viability of many water dependent species.
Cruser Brook - February 2003: Residents have complained that these cloudy, turbid conditions in Cruser Brook have become increasingly worse since 1998, and the reliance on hay bales and erosion control fencing at the 3M quarry is not sufficient to reduce the turbid conditions in the streams. Residents are encouraged to notify the NJDEP hotline when they observe these cloudy conditions (1-877-WARNDEP). In May 2003, the NJDEP fined 3M over $99,000 for discharge violations
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An aerial view of the area with monitoring sites suggested by the Association
"We ourselves feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.
But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
– Mother Theresa
To become a member, print out and complete our convenient Membership Form
or call Mary Lou Dahms at 609-737-3735 or email
As a member, you will be a partner in providing:
Better drinking water: Professional teams monitor stream water quality in your community.
Care and protection of your local streams: Volunteer teams repair and reforest eroded stream banks.
Thoughtful community growth: Consulting services for land use planning and environmental ordinances that protect local lakes, streams, and your community's ground water.
Open Space: Explore and enjoy our 860 acres of reserve land.
You will receive personal benefit such as:
Wonders of the natural environment: Enjoy hands-on programs and informal talks presented by our naturalists and educators. Programs are geared for adults and children.
Educational programs and other events: Enjoy advance notice and reduced fees on many offerings.
News you can use: Stay informed through our email action alerts and our quarterly newsletter, the Wellspring.
Choose the membership that is right for you:
Family: $50 Single: $40 Student/Senior: $25
Suggested Levels of Supporting Memberships
Sponsors: $100-$249
Leaders: $250-$499
Millstone River Society: $500-$999
Friends: $1,000-$2,499
JOIN NOW!
Memberships are for the calendar year.
You may pay by check, made out to "SBMWA", or use your VISA or MasterCard Account. .
Single: $40 
