Asphalt Plant Seeks Roanoke area Home

Roanoke County is considering building an asphalt plant just off of U.S. 11/460. They plan to use an old water treatment plant that is already located along the road as the location for the plant (site seen in photo). they said that there is a lot of storage there and it would save money because they would only have to update and adjust the location instead of having to build an entirely new infrastructure. The citizens and environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, are opposed to the asphalt plant because they are worried about the environment implications, smells, and particles that may be caused by this industry.

Adams Construction Co., the company who wants to build the plant, is doing their best to talk to the public about their concerns. They say that most of their fears are very stereotypical. They say that the design will use an up-to-date bag house, a technology that is 99.5 percent effective in reducing particles, to there is no need to be fearful. They also say that an oxygen scavenger mixes in and neutralizes the asphalt scent and leaves a hint of pine smell. They hheld a community meeting in the Glenvar Middle School auditorium where the public was able to come and have thier concerns adressed by planners and industry experts. The supporters of the asphalt plant assure that the new plant will create at least 600 jobs for the citizens of Roanoke. This idea is supported by the Roanoke County Planning Commission. They put it to a vote and the result weas 3 to 1 in favor of the new asphalt plant. Although the Commission does not have the final say, their position is influential to decision makers. They say that not only will it utilize the forgotten water treatment plant, but the company will also be responsible for planting trees in the area to act as a sound barrier. They are concerned about what is best for their town, people, and of course their economy, which is hurting just like everywhere else. The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted on the matter in February which resulted in a tie, further postponing any disision on the project.

In my opinion, the people of Roanoke have the right to be concerned about the risk of dangerous air pollutants coming from the factory. Although bag houses are very effective they are not 100 percent effective. In the past, bag houses have malfunctioned causing pollution to be released into the atmosphere. However, with the advances that have been made in technology, I think if they keep it closely monitored at all times and constantly check to make sure it is running properly, they should not have a problem. I think it is responsible to plan to reuse a site that has already been built and could be cost effective to adjusted it to fit their purpose. I do however think they need to be careful in doing that and make sure they do not cut environmental safety features.

The United States is currently going through not only an economic crisis, but also a job crisis, and this does not exclude Roanoke. The new asphalt plant would help boost their economy and create new jobs, which are badly needed, for the locals. All over the country jobs are being slashed. Id this project goes through, they would have to employ people not only to run, maintain the plant, design, and build it , but they would also receive revenue from companies wishing to buy the asphalt. Although I feel as though the asphalt plant has some very negative environmental impacts, I think that it might be just what the R oanoke evonomy needs.