Heavy industry doesn't belong in Sagle's midst

Does Sagle need heavy industry in the middle of their community? That's what Frank Linscott and Interstate Concrete want for a zone change for. For five years, residents have asked that the asphalt bath plant not be located in the middle of Sagle. Asphalt manufacturing is a major source of hazardous air pollutants. Studies have shown these air toxins may cause cancer, central nervous system problems, respiratory and many more health-related issues. Air currents carry the toxic pollutants further than the manufacturing site and there is no mechanism in place to monitor these toxic emissions. Loaded trucks are a major source of emissions as well as the actual mixing and loading of the black top. Used asphalt, stored for further use, when rained on will wash the toxic contaminates into the aquifer. The health issues are very real, and property values and more, are affected.

Granite Hill has a 51-acre gravel pit in a very rural area, where the batch plant could be located without impact to Sagle residents. Last year, Interstate secured a temporary permit to locate the batch plant there but instead stayed at the Linscott property.

Anyone who has riven through Sagle and smelled the asphalt when the plant is running is inhaling fugitive toxins. A search of asphalt contamination or pollution on the Internet turns up too many health problems to be ignored. Industrial zoning of this 42.5-acre area is not in accord with the goals, objectives and policies of the comprehensive plant components for Sagle.

Please urge your county commissioners to deny industrial zoning for Sagle.

LARRY R. SMITH

Sagle