Asphalt plant must be enclosed

<p>Editor: An asphalt plant in our front yard?</p><p>At the entrance to Petaluma, travelers and residents could be greeted by the odor of asphalt production, the smell of which is an indicator that one is breathing carcinogenic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) gases.</p><p>Similarly, 400 visitors a day and the wildlife they enjoy, at popular Shollenberger Park directly across the river, would be exposed to the odors, noise, dust, and nighttime lighting particularly detrimental to wildlife.</p><p>Important as it is to continue industrial activity on our river to take advantages of barges and rail to move heavy materials, industrial activity in the form of the proposed Dutra asphalt plant must be contained in a building, as similar asphalt plants in cold climates are contained, so the gases can be properly collected and scrubbed and the noise, dust, and lighting can be mitigated.</p><p>Protection against development of the scenic 101 corridor from Marin to Petaluma was passed by 78 percent of Sonoma County voters in 1998. Soon after, development rights of the largest ranch in the corridor were purchased by our voter-funded Open Space District. Public opinion is very supportive and protective of Sonoma County’s front yard.</p><p>Further, the EPA has strict rules regarding asphalt plant contamination. Dutra’s operations record in Marin County, taken as a complaint to the grand jury, is scant assurance of proper management.</p><p>The public is the largest customer of asphalt and Dutra owes its prime customer proper containment of a public nuisance and health challenge.</p><p>On Feb. 3, Sonoma County Supervisor Mike Kerns, to protect his own constituency in the south county, can insist that the proposed plant be housed in such a building to minimize the detrimental consequences of the asphalt plant. Write your supervisor today!</p><p>Bill Kortum, Petaluma</p>