Proposed Asphalt Plant Riles Residents

Residents who live in Seekonk’s south end are voicing their opposition to a proposed asphalt plant. At their January 12 meeting, the Planning Board voted to allow International Paving Corporation to redevelop a warehouse/garage site at 45 Industrial Court for the project. “The facility is a $3 million asphalt plant which is the most state of the art plant you can buy currently in the United States,” said Owner Jeffrey Joaquin.

The plant, which would be located in an Industrial Zoning District just a few hundred feet from a residential neighborhood, has drawn concerns over the potential health impact from emissions. “We are concerned about health and welfare, quality of life, and property value abutting this area so closely,” said Michael Bean, who lives on Jane Howland Place. Bean also cited the potential endangerment of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and hawks. When contacted by the Reporter on Sunday, Chairman David Sullivan said it would be inappropriate for him to comment. The matter will now be heard by the Conservation Commission at their February meeting.

A Facebook group, Stop the Seekonk Asphalt Plant, has more than 1400 members, including residents from Barrington and East Providence, Rhode Island. According to OSHA (Occupational and Safety Hazard Administration): “The acute effects of exposure to asphalt fumes include headache, skin rash, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation, and cough. Asphalt paving workers, for example, have reported breathing problems, asthma, bronchitis, and skin irritation.” “Human studies have reported lung, stomach, and skin cancers following chronic exposures to asphalt fumes. However, these studies have been inconclusive, and the possible chronic effects to workers following exposures to asphalt fumes are areas of continuing investigations.”

Selectman Chris Zorra said the dust and noise from the plant will not only impact residents, but nearby businesses as well. “It affects everybody in that surrounding area,” Zorra noted. Selectman David Viera, who lives right on the border of East Providence, knows the experience of having an asphalt plant nearby. “It’s atrocious,” Viera said, referring to the fumes and the odor. The residents in the neighborhood next to Industrial Court do not use the town’s water supply. Instead, they are reliant on well water. “If that asphalt plant contaminates their wells, who’s going to pay for that?” Viera said. “I will do everything within my power to try to combat the building of that plant.”