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As a resident of the Tamarack Estates development in Sagle, just north of Brisboys, I attended the commissioner’s meeting on Jan.11, 2019, to hear the discussion and supposed appeal of Planning & Zoning permitting Interstate Asphalt’s batch plant to be permanently located in Sagle. It would sit on the Linscott gravel pit site. The county and Interstate were given almost 2 hours to plead their case. Thirty-plus citizens were allowed only 3 minutes each to voice their concerns regarding air and noise pollution, water endangerment, retail values and a myriad of health problems.

These citizens were constantly interrupted almost to the point of being heckled by the commissioners, Glen Bailey in particular. It appeared that they weren’t even listening at times. The commissioners are elected officials. They should take into consideration the concerns of their constituents. This was clearly not happening. It was as if the decision to grant the permit had been predetermined.

My neighborhood would be affected by the noise and smell. My biggest concern is the fact that the plant would sit essentially over the Sagle aquifer. If we lose that purity of water, we will never get it back. Pollutants will travel downward across landowners’ properties, right into the Pend Oreille River.

These are all valid concerns voiced by real people. The batch plant would be out of compliance with Bonner County’s land use or comp plan and has no place at that location.

MARGIE CORCORAN

Sagle