To the editor:
I am extremely concerned about the proposed plan to install an asphalt plant at the quarry in Wilton due to the possible impacts of the plant’s emissions on the quality of the air and soil in our region.
A 2000 EPA report indicates that emissions from asphalt mixing plants contain a wide variety of air pollutants including toluene, arsenic, lead and mercury.
In addition, The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recognizes asphalt fumes as a “hazard” and notes on their website: “Exposure to asphalt fumes can cause serious injury and permanent damage”.
My husband and I have been producing chemical-free vegetables, mushrooms and berries in this area for almost ten years now and fear that the toxins that will be released into our air from this proposed plant will undo any health and environmental benefits that we have worked so hard to achieve for our community.
Marilyn Jonas
Wilton