Not in our town

At what cost should profit take precedent over human relevance? That’s what residents of Graniteville are wondering, and answer at no cost.

Neighbors for Healthy Communities is a group of residents that formed to participate at the Act 250 process in opposition of this asphalt plant locating in our neighborhood. Our focus is to live in a community free from toxic pollutants being deposited into our air, protect our health, future and quality of life.

Asphalt plants have been known to cause health problems, nuisance odors, noise and heavy commercial truck traffic for residents living near and around these facilities, making life an unpleasant scenario for all. The hard work many of us have put into our homes will be lost as property values drop from 10 percent to as high as 50 percent, as confirmed by several local Realtors in the area. Once again the people will pay the price and suffer for corporate America.

It’s time for industry to step up, not only to make profit, but to take responsibility for coexisting safely and responsibly in communities and our environment. The burden should be placed on industry to locate asphalt plants in seclusion away from our children, families, day cares, schools, playgrounds and water supplies. We have a right to have a natural healthy environment to enjoy, for our residents to live, and thrive for years to come.

Our current and last state administration as well as our federal administration has been placing great focus on the preservation of our environment, by creating green jobs, reducing our carbon footprint and seeking renewable energy. Doesn’t an asphalt plant, a highly polluting source, contradict that plan? Reminding everyone that the permit, if approved, is a permit to pollute, not one deeming a project completely safe and hazard free. Especially when being located less than six miles from an already existing plant in Berlin, which has the capabilities to produce more than enough asphalt for all of central Vermont let alone just our small local area. This would seem like an irresponsible choice, let alone contradictory to our state and nation’s future focus.

We ask the District 5 Environmental Commission, which has the power to decide the fate of our small town, to step up and deny the permit for NEMG LLC, a Washington state contractor, from locating here in our small village center. Help us in preserving the quality of life for our community and our future; and also would encourage community members to join us in taking a stand against the proposed asphalt plant in Graniteville.

Lori and Marc Bernier

Neighbors for Healthy Communities

Graniteville