Residents Cross Examine Representative for Asphalt Plant, EPA Expert in Continuance

By Marianne Mueller, REPORTER

 On Wednesday evening, Dec. 7 residents heard testimony about the proposed asphalt plant in Rockton from Will Hoff in a meeting lasting over five hours. Part of the actions taken at that meeting included cross examination from concerned residents.

“If this plant is built, will those tax dollars end up in Rockton?” asked Laura Forbes.

“How close do you live to an asphalt plant? How many violations, citations or fires has your company had?” asked Barb Nozzi.

Hoff replied that the company has had one incident, which they disagreed with the charges and have taken to an Appellate Court. Nozzi added, “What guarantee do we have in terms of emissions or smells?”

“It is hard to put an exact number on it until we do our operations,” replied Hoff. 

“How many extra trucks will be added to take care of the recycling?”

“We always keep trucks on the road. Currently we are 22 miles from the closest plant,” said Hoff.

“It appears to me that you are downplaying the impact this will have on the community,” said Angelika Streck. “You say you are planning to have 14 trucks per hour, every hour of a 10-hour day. Have you looked at the impact of what those trucks will have?” “We have not,” answered Hoff.

“Must you have an existing quarry to have an asphalt plant?” “It makes the most sense economically,” responded, Hoff. Gerald Stark asked, “If they produce more than that high end aggregate in a silo for the hot mix in 12 hours a day, does it have to shut down at night? Richard Thomas questioned if these good jobs previously mentioned would be occupied by local residents. Hoff answered, “It is required that these jobs be occupied by member of the Local 150 who operates the Union and all of these people live in the area.” Another resident asked if these jobs could be taken by former or local officials? “We cannot discriminate, “said Hoff.

“I live 1,200 ft. away, said Mark Bonnell. “Who is in charge and will be overseeing the operations of the plant?” You have answered, “I don’t know” too many of these questions. “Have we been a good neighbor?” asked Hoff. Bonnell responded, “Our roads are in horrendous shape. I have lived there 20 years and you have been there 10. What is the chance of our water being contaminated by the diesel fuel?” “It will be contained,” replied Hoff. “There is no city water where I am; I am strictly on a well,” said Bonnell. One resident asked Mr. Hoff, “When was the last time you were in Rockton to see where the plant is being proposed?”

Following a rebuttal given by Attorney Rodriguez; Environmentalist Don Sutton of the Riverton GHO Consulting firm made a presentation and fielded questions per a cross examination period. “I am retired from the EPA. I was an Air Permit Manager for the State of Ill.,” said Mr. Sutton. “Do you have any experience going to a site?” Sutton asked residents. “I personally have been on 10 different sites. Asphalt makes for a much smoother driving surface.” Sutton addressed water safety concerns. “If there would have been an incident on a site the EPA would be alerted as well as local officials. Sutton explained how oil fuel heaters heat the oil continuously. He went through the step by step process of the drum method. He spoke of different emissions and what can cause them and the role that containment plays.

“Pollutants and Ambien Air Quarry standards must be met. When someone brings in a new operation they will not bring down these air quality standards,” said Sutton. “Inspectors keep track of asphalt on a monthly basis.”

“The noise limit of asphalt plants hit .75 decimals,” said Sutton. “In newer plants, respiratory equipment is required and must meet this regulation. I happen to like this state. It is located where the rock is produced.

Urban areas don’t have the rock. It is very common to have these plants in quarries. The fact that this is down in the valley means that there is no odor. There is odor in many things.”

“If I see a whole bunch of dust come out, what recourse does the EPA have?” ZBA Chair, Brian Erickson asked.

A question was posed as to what happens to a load of asphalt. “It is taken back to the plant and dumped on the ground to be recycled,” replied Sutton. How often do they update operating permits?” asked ZBA member Tami Verstraete. “They are updated every five to 10 years,” said Sutton. Resident, Ron Axon questioned permit specifications. A map of 145 asphalt plants in the state of Illinois was presented. “Thirty miles is as far as a load can go while doing a highway. It is not uncommon for a load to be rejected if it cools by the time of arrival,” Sutton alerted. During the cross examination of Mr. Sutton, Justin York asked if the asphalt plant can be changed once the permit is granted? Gayle Morrow directed the question to Mr. Sutton, “Would you want your grandchildren playing outside where an asphalt plant is?” “I would have no problem with it,” said Sutton. “Does this plant fall under OSHA safety standards?” Barb Nozzi asked. “Dust is generated from the limestone,” replied Sutton. Other residents joined in asking varied questions about emissions and chemicals that could be released. Wind effects were also addressed. “The nose is very subjective to what it can smell,” said Sutton. House shingles, car emissions and unknown particles in the air were examples of different chemicals Sutton cited as examples.   

Hours later a continuance was called for Thursday evening, Dec. 8 at the Winnebago County Courthouse. That evening testimony was heard from toxicologist, Andrew Pawlisz in another long night of testimony. Meetings will continue at a date in mid-January for the consideration of the asphalt plant request.