Health Effects - Asphalt plants do not make good neighbours.

The potential health impacts of living near an asphalt plant are well-documented and are likely a good part of the reason that a U.S. property value study documented losses of up to 56% because of the presence of a nearby asphalt plant!

A report prepared for Environment Canada and the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment in 2002 indicated that, in Ontario, the hot-mix asphalt sector produced the following:

• 3,200 tonnes of particulate matter in total
• 160 tonnes of sulphur dioxide
• 320 tonnes of nitrogen oxides
• 140 tonnes of volatile organic compounds
• 2,000 tonnes of carbon monoxide
• 1.3 tonnes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• 216,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide

Click on the links to view the definitions of these chemicals. Asphalt production is a major source of hazardous and cancer-causing air pollutants. Some known/suspected carcinogenic chemicals released during asphalt production include formaldehyde, hexane, phenol, arsenic, benzene, cadmium and toluene. Other toxic chemicals are released into the air as the asphalt is loaded into trucks and hauled from the plant site, including volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and very fine condensed particulates.[EPA, USA http://www.besafenet.com/Asphalt.pdf.]

It has been documented that exposure to these air toxins may cause cancer, central nervous system problems, liver damage, respiratory problems (coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath), skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

A door-to-door health survey found 45% of residents living within a half mile of an asphalt plant reported a deterioration of their health, which began after the plant opened.

Slideshow detailing increased childhood brain cancer rates near an asphalt plant in North Carolina: www.bredl.org/air/Asphalt_SlideShow.htm

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In a Township Planning Meeting on December 13, 2005, Miller Group Inc. documented their desire to expand the Braeside Quarry and to include a permanent asphalt plant and a permanent concrete batch plant.

In order to expand the Braeside Quarry to include a permanent asphalt plant and concrete batch plant, Miller Group Inc. would need to submit an Official Plan amendment request for the re-zoning of the land for these types of operations. Our Township has not received an application from Miller Group Inc.

However, under the Provincial Policy Statement, Miller Group Inc, IS PERMITTED TO OPERATE A PORTABLE ASPHALT PLANT.

Currently Miller Paving does not have a portable asphalt plant in operation at the Braeside Quarry, however, under the new Provincial Policy Statement, they can start operating one at any time without the need to re-zone or have an Offical Plan amendment from the Township.

How is that possible?

In 2005, the Ministry of the Environment updated the Provincial Policy Statement. Part of that update (section 2.5.5 Wayside Pits and Quarries, Portable Asphalt Plants and Portable Concrete Plants) includes a section that now allows Quarries to operate portable asphalt and portable concrete plants. Portable refers to the operation being temporary, for the life of the project. When speaking in terms of road development, such as the upcoming expansion of the 417 into Renfrew, the life of the project could take a few years.

As we understand it, if Miller Group Inc. were to begin operating a portable asphalt plant, they could simply move a portable asphalt plant from another location, that already has a Certificate of Approval for Discharge into the Natural Environment other than Water (i.e. Air), to the Braeside Quarry without the need for any sort of new approvals or certificates. This would mean that they could start producing asphalt right away!

If you would like to understand more about portable asphalt plants and production for yourself, you can speak to an Environment Officer who would be able to answer questions about inspections, certificates of approval, and spills among other things. (Renfrew County district is in Ottawa at 1-800-860-2195).