Asphalt Plant Flyer Fact Sheets

An Analysis of Asphalt Plant Pollution Impacts on Public Health and Agriculture in Umatilla County, Oregon December 2013: BREDL Report 13-346: Toxic air pollution levels based on the permit present an unacceptable level of risk to the residents living near the plant site. The permit should provide no confidence to county officials that public health and agricultural livelihood would be protected. Download the BREDL Report

Oct. 23, 2007: NEW STUDY REVEALS ASPHALT PLANT DANGERS - Today at a press conference in Spruce Pine, the Mitchell County Citizens for Clean Air and the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League released an air pollution study of the proposed Young & McQueen asphalt plant which shows that air toxins would be deposited far from the plant site. The League’s report shows dangerous levels offsite of formaldehyde, benzene and arsenic. BREDL Press Release | BREDL Air Pollution Study of proposed asphalt plant

October 2007: Proposed Young & McQueen asphalt plant Factsheet - Young & McQueen are proposing an asphalt plant near Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, NC.

July 30, 2007: ASPHALT PLANTS - CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN: An overview of 7 toxic substances released from asphalt processing facilities and their known effects on human health

Center for Health, Environment & Justice BE SAFE Campaign flyer on Asphalt Plant Pollution (BREDL contributed to this flyer)

Oct. 20, 2005: Analysis: Asphalt Plant versus Wood Stove Pollution - Comparing Apples and Hedgehogs (a household wood stove emits but a tiny fraction of the pollution emitted by an asphalt plant.)

(Posted online 10/20/05) 2001 Minority Report on Fugitive Emissions from Asphalt Plants - This report, submitted to EPA in 2001, was co-authored by BREDL and other groups. (.pdf, 5 MB)

Sept. 23, 2005: APAC: POLLUTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
This is a report on APAC-Atlantic, Inc., one of the nation’s largest transportation construction contractors. The League's report lists APAC's violations of environmental laws and citizens’ complaints for the asphalt plants which the company operates in Rutherfordton, Burnsville, Penrose, Hendersonville and Morganton, North Carolina. Our report is based on public records on file in the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Air Quality. The company’s track record in western North Carolina reveals a corporation that shows little care for the health and well-being of the people who live nearest the asphalt factories it operates.

Oct. 20, 2003: Factsheet: Hydrogen Sulfide - The Human Health Effect of a Toxic Pollutant. (.pdf)

Feb. 5, 2003: BREDL Slide Show presentation by Dr. Rick Weisler: Childhood Brain Cancers Near Asphalt Industry in Salisbury, North Carolina

March 8, 2002: The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League Bethel-Cullasaja community health survey report. The Bethel-Cullasaja community is the site of an asphalt plant permitted to produce 180 tons/hour and 100,000 tons/year of paving asphalt.

March 8, 2002: The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense released a study showing the adverse impacts on property values and quality of life around an asphalt plant in Pineola, North Carolina.

Jan. 15, 2001 - Asphalt Plant Campaign Report: This report gives an update on BREDL's campaign to reduce toxic pollution from asphalt plants in western North Carolina. It includes information about six communities which oppose existing or proposed asphalt plants. (including asphalt plants in Pineola , Boone , Jefferson , Cullasaja , White Oak Creek )

Asphalt Plant Flyer Fact Sheets:

(Posted online 10/20/05) Sept. 15, 1999 BREDL letter to EPA regarding asphalt plant fugitive emissions. (.pdf)

July 25, 2003: BREDL and WEAG cite numerous flaws with DEQ’s approval of Wythe County asphalt plant. Groups request DEQ to stop relocation and re-open permitting process. Read Press Release | July 25, 2003: BREDL and WEAG letter to Virginia DEQ Director Robert Burnley requesting determination of permit exemptions. (.pdf) | More information including BREDL/DEQ correspondence, background, pictures.

June 30, 2003: EPA Region IV letter to Dr. Rick Weisler stating that current laws are not enough to offer "consistent and comprehensive environmental protection strategy." The EPA letter writer urges Dr. Weisler to continue his work to document unexpected disease clusters and contaminant associations near asphalt industry in Salisbury, NC.

May 23, 2003: BREDL comments on the proposed air permit for the Ferebee Asphalt Corp. asphalt plant in Optimist Park in Charlotte. (.pdf)

Aug. 20, 2002: BREDL comments before NC EMC on the proposed rule changes under 15A NCAC 2D .0506, 2Q .0306, 2D .1109, and 2Q .0526. (amendments to:  Particulate Emissions, Rules for asphalt plants, Public participation rules, Volatile Organic Compound Rules, Permitting Rules, 112j Case-by-Case MACT Rules and others)  Final comment deadline September 3, 2002   NC DAQ Calendar Notice posted at: http://daq.state.nc.us/cgi-bin/cal.cgi?8+2002

June 13, 2001 - The Citizens Against the Asphalt Plant (CAAP) files a lawsuit on Wednesday before an administrative law judge seeking to force more controls on Tarheel Paving Co.'s asphalt plant in Henderson County, NC.

APAC-Atlantic, Inc

Sept. 23, 2005: APAC: POLLUTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
This is a report on APAC-Atlantic, Inc., one of the nation’s largest transportation construction contractors. The League's report lists APAC's violations of environmental laws and citizens’ complaints for the asphalt plants which the company operates in Rutherfordton, Burnsville, Penrose, Hendersonville and Morganton, North Carolina. Our report is based on public records on file in the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Air Quality. The company’s track record in western North Carolina reveals a corporation that shows little care for the health and well-being of the people who live nearest the asphalt factories it operates.



APAC Atlantic - Henrietta community of Rutherford County, NC.

APAC Atlantic proposed asphalt plant in the Henrietta community of Rutherford County, NC.
(Aug. 11, 2005)



APAC-Atlantic - Rutherfordton in Rutherford County

See Sept. 23, 2005: APAC: POLLUTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES



APAC-Atlantic - Burnsville in Yancey County

See Sept. 23, 2005: APAC: POLLUTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES



APAC-Atlantic - Hendersonville in Henderson County

See Sept. 23, 2005: APAC: POLLUTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES



APAC-Atlantic - Morganton in Burke County

See Sept. 23, 2005: APAC: POLLUTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES



APAC-Atlantic - Penrose in Transylvania County

See Sept. 23, 2005: APAC: POLLUTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES



APAC-Tennessee, Inc. - Cherokee County, NC

APAC-Tennessee Inc. proposed plant in Cherokee County, NC. (updated 1/20/01)



APAC Tennessee, Inc. - Murphy, NC

APAC Tennessee, Inc. plant in Murphy on Highway 64 West (Jan. 5, 2001)

BREDL Comments on DRAFT air permit for APAC Tennessee Asphalt Plant, Murphy, NC (Jan. 22, 2001)



Appalachian Materials, LLC - Glendale Springs, NC

BREDL Report on the Pollution Impacts from Appalachian Materials, LLC Proposed Asphalt Plant in Glendale Springs

Oct. 1, 2015: The report concludes that the North Carolina Division of Air Quality's draft permit would not meet state standards for toxic air pollution and recommends that Ashe County take steps to ensure that its Polluting Industries Ordinance be strengthened in order to protect the health and safety of its people.

BREDL Press Release | BREDL Report

Public Comment Period: September 4 through October 6, 2015.
Public Hearing on October 6, 2015 at the Ashe County Courthouse in Jefferson, NC.

BREDL August 25, 2015 letter to NC DENR requesting public hearing for Appalachian Materials LLC, Glendale Asphalt Plant.

BREDL Fact Sheet - Includes Details on Public Comment Period and Public Hearing



Carl Rose and Sons Asphalt Plant - near Elkin, NC

Action Alert - Update: March 9, 2000 - A Public Hearing was held on March 9 at the Elkin Elementary School. You may still send comments. Deadline March 24, 2000. Thanks for your calls and letters which led to the public hearing. Request for a public hearing on the air permit upgrade for the Carl Rose and Sons Asphalt Plant near Elkin, NC. TELEPHONE CALLS, LETTERS, AND E-MAILS ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE UPGRADE. More info: March 10, 2000 - The Tribune (Elkin-Jonesville, NC) story



D&S Asphalt Materials - White Oak Creek near Tryon, NC

Jan. 15, 2001 - Asphalt Plant Campaign Report: This report gives an update on BREDL's campaign to reduce toxic pollution from asphalt plants in western North Carolina. It includes information about six communities which oppose existing or proposed asphalt plants. (including the asphalt plant in White Oak Creek )



Ferebee Asphalt Corp. - Charlotte, NC

May 23, 2003: BREDL comments on the proposed air permit for the Ferebee Asphalt Corp. asphalt plant in Optimist Park in Charlotte. (.pdf)



HEH Paving Corporation - Lithonia, GA

June 30, 2015: Today BREDL and its local chapter CHASE recommended that officials in Dekalb County Georgia order a Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) study to assess impacts of a proposed asphalt plant in Lithonia.  DRIs are done for projects likely to have regional effects beyond local government jurisdiction. Pollution from an asphalt plant would have a negative impact on the Atlanta area, which is already designated as being in non-attainment for national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for PM-2.5 and ozone.
BREDL Letter



Maymead Inc. - Laurel Spring, NC (Alleghany Co.)

The Alleghany County, North Carolina Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on November 8, 2005 to endorse a plan to zone polluting industries and high impact land uses. The move was done at the request of local residents led by Alleghany Citizens for Environmental Safety (ACES) who are concerned about a proposed asphalt plant locating in Laurel Springs on N.C. 18. The ordinance effectively blocks a polluting industry from locating within 2000 feet of a school, day care, nursing home, medical facility, church or residential dwelling. The vice president of the asphalt company claims that the company’s efforts to build are ‘grandfathered in’ because the company applied for a state air pollution permit. However, no such right is granted by the mere submission of a permit application. View the ordinance that was passed at: http://www.alleghanycounty-nc.gov/ordinances/1-296.PDF

Factsheet: Maymead Inc. proposed asphalt plant in the Laurel Springs community of Alleghany County, NC. (Oct. 24, 2005)



Maymead Inc. - Watuaga County, NC (J.W. Hampton 421 site)

BREDL and High Country Wataugans Against Toxins Close to Home July 7, 2015 letter to Watauga County Board of Commissioners regarding Amendments to the High Impact Land Use Ordinance.



Maymead Materials - Pineola, NC (Avery Co.)

March 8, 2002: The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense released a study showing the adverse impacts on property values and quality of life around an asphalt plant in Pineola, North Carolina.

Jan. 15, 2001 - Asphalt Plant Campaign Report: This report gives an update on BREDL's campaign to reduce toxic pollution from asphalt plants in western North Carolina. It includes information about six communities which oppose existing or proposed asphalt plants. (including the asphalt plant in Pineola )

Maymeade Materials plant in Pineola near the Linville River Page 1 , Page 2 (Oct. 27, 1999)



Maymead Materials - Boone, NC

Maymead Materials' asphalt plant east of Boone, NC - page includes various info. (updated 1/20/01)

BREDL Comments at Public Hearing on air permit for Maymead Asphalt Plant in Boone, NC. (Feb. 19, 2001)

Jan. 15, 2001 - Asphalt Plant Campaign Report: This report gives an update on BREDL's campaign to reduce toxic pollution from asphalt plants in western North Carolina. It includes information about six communities which oppose existing or proposed asphalt plants. (including the asphalt plant in Boone)

Maymeade Materials plant on the banks of the New River Page 1 , Page 2 (Nov. 12, 1998)



Morton Trucking, Inc. - Jacksonville, NC (Onslow Co.)

February 23, 2010: Testimony of BREDL's Louis A. Zeller before the Onslow County Board of Adjustment regarding Special Use Permit for asphalt plant proposed by Morton Trucking, Inc.

Rhodes Brothers Asphalt Plant - This page includes pictures, video clip, and other information (updated 1/20/01)

March 8, 2002: The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League Bethel-Cullasaja community health survey report. The Bethel-Cullasaja community is the site of an asphalt plant permitted to produce 180 tons/hour and 100,000 tons/year of paving asphalt.

Jan. 15, 2001 - Asphalt Plant Campaign Report: This report gives an update on BREDL's campaign to reduce toxic pollution from asphalt plants in western North Carolina. It includes information about six communities which oppose existing or proposed asphalt plants. (including Rhodes Brothers asphalt plant in Cullasaja )



Smith & Sons Paving - McDowell County

Smith & Sons Paving plant in McDowell County on Highway 221 North (Jan. 2, 2001)

BREDL comments on DRAFT air permit for Smith & Sons Paving Company, McDowell County. (Feb. 8, 2001)



Tar Heel Paving - Henderson Co., NC

June 13, 2001 - The Citizens Against the Asphalt Plant (CAAP) files a lawsuit on Wednesday before an administrative law judge seeking to force more controls on Tarheel Paving Co.'s asphalt plant in Henderson County, NC.

BREDL Comments on DRAFT air permit for Tar Heel Paving Asphalt Plant, Henderson, NC (March 12, 2001)

Tar Heel Paving plant in Hendersonville on the Asheville Highway near Balfour School (Dec. 7, 2000)



Tri-County Paving, Inc. - Jefferson, NC

Jan. 15, 2001 - Asphalt Plant Campaign Report: This report gives an update on BREDL's campaign to reduce toxic pollution from asphalt plants in western North Carolina. It includes information about six communities which oppose existing or proposed asphalt plants. (including the asphalt plant in Jefferson)



W-L Construction & Paving, Inc - Wythe Co, VA

July 25, 2003: BREDL and WEAG cite numerous flaws with DEQ’s approval of Wythe County asphalt plant. Groups request DEQ to stop relocation and re-open permitting process. Read Press Release | July 25, 2003: BREDL and WEAG letter to Virginia DEQ Director Robert Burnley requesting determination of permit exemptions. (.pdf) | More information including BREDL/DEQ correspondence, background, pictures.



Young & McQueen - Mitchell Co, NC

Oct. 23, 2007: NEW STUDY REVEALS ASPHALT PLANT DANGERS - Today at a press conference in Spruce Pine, the Mitchell County Citizens for Clean Air and the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League released an air pollution study of the proposed Young & McQueen asphalt plant which shows that air toxins would be deposited far from the plant site. The League’s report shows dangerous levels offsite of formaldehyde, benzene and arsenic. BREDL Press Release | BREDL Air Pollution Study of proposed asphalt plant

October 2007: Proposed Young & McQueen asphalt plant Factsheet - Young & McQueen are proposing an asphalt plant near Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, NC.

LOCAL ORDINANCES: What North Carolina Counties Can Do to Protect Residents from Polluting Industries - North Carolina law grants authority to all counties the power to adopt ordinances under NC General Statute § 153A-121. This is also referred to as the counties’ police power. Recent legislation approved by the NC General Assembly alters but does not end this power.
BREDL Fact Sheet

An Overview of Polluting Industry Ordinances: The Wilkes County Model

Ashe Co., NC Polluting Industries Development Ordinance

Courts uphold Ashe County Polluting Industries Development Ordinance

Link to Ashe County PIDO

June 22, 2001: Tri-County Paving, Inc. v. Ashe County:
U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Statesville Division upholds Ashe County PIDO in Tri-County Paving, Inc. v. Ashe County decision (in .pdf format) - 16 pgs

Feb. 22, 2002: Tri-County Paving, Inc. v. Ashe County:
U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals affirms District Court's decision in Tri-County Paving v. Ashe County