Asphalt/concrete plants
- The plants pose an environmental danger to humans, plants and animals
- Up to 44 toxic and hazardous air pollutants will be emitted – 6 of which (formaldehyde, nickel, arsenic, benzene, cadmium, mercury) will be emitted at higher concentrations than considered to be healthy for humans
- toxic and hazardous air pollutants from the plants will cause health problems – respiratory and possibly cancer
- Pollutants – particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds – will be emitted in high quantities, some up to 100 tons per year
- 3 asphalt plants are being planned less than 10 miles apart. Together, they will pollute like a major polluter, but the State is considering them separately as minor polluters and not looking at the cumulative effects
- Prospect Hill site has been issued a permit by the State to pollute almost 6 times more than the company requested in their permit application
- Odor from the plant will be noxious and offensive
- Dust (particulate matter) will cover plants, soil, and nearby agriculture causing a detrimental effect on livestock and crops
- Dust will infiltrate wetland and streams and have a detrimental effect on aquatic life
- Dust will cause respiratory problems for humans and animals (pets, wildlife, livestock)
- Sediments in surrounding streams will increase
- Fires and explosions are high possibilities at asphalt plants
- Local volunteer fire department response would be inadequate and will require surrounding departments and counties to respond as well as hazmat teams
- Smoke plumes billowing from an asphalt plant fire will release tremendous amounts of toxic chemicals and particulate matter
- Fire fighting chemicals would contaminate the ground, ground water, and wells for years because they do not break down. Fire-fighting aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) used to fight petroleum fires contain per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and are known to harm animals and humans
- Noise from equipment and trucks will be very disruptive
- Heavy trucks will cause damage to local roadways that are not able to handle the weight and frequency
- The area will see a significant increase in heavy truck traffic
- Increased traffic pose a higher risk to children embarking, debarking and waiting for their buses alongside roadways
- Spills, leaks, and accidental discharges from equipment, trucks, and tanks will contaminate the ground and ground water
- Nearby residents and guests will not be able to work outdoors or enjoy outdoor activities due to air and noise pollution
- There is no zoning at the sites that allowed for local government determination or public input. A zoning ordinance is needed that will truly protect our Rural Residential/Agricultural community.
Questions?
Questions and additional concerns you have can be sent to admin@protectcaswell.org.