Handouts from the January 11, 2006 Council Meeting

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Asphalt Page 2 of 5 I BE SAFE's FOUR PRINCIPLES 1. HEED EARLY WARNING SIGNS There is documented evidence from health experts and federal and state regulators of the serious health effects of asphalt plant emissions.We must heed these early warning signs and take action to prevent communities from further exposure to cancer-causing substances released by asphalt plants.The following actions are needed: Moratoriums on asphalt plant construction and operation in communities where people live and go to school; Stricter testing and enforcement of air quality standards at asphalt plants;and Improved air standards that address all toxic contaminants including fugitive emissions. 2. PUT SAFETY FIRST Even if an asphalt plant meets all state and federal air pollution standards, people living nearby are still exposed to cancer-causing substances that can cause long-term damage.These standards are based on the principle of"acceptal risk",and assume each state will enforce the standards,the plants will operate perfectly,and the owners can be trustee to operate on an honor system where they are expected to follow all the laws and regulations that apply to their facility without any government oversight. In the majority of cases, it is unknown whether the'theoretical'air emissions predict by computer models and used by plant owners accurately reflect air emissions from a plant's daily operations.We mus put safety first and shut down or overhaul the current system that fails to protect communities from the daily health hazards of asphalt plant pollution. Federal regulations based on the"acceptable risk"model and self-regulating honor systems are inadequate to protect public health. Many states rely on inadequate federal standards that do not take into account local factors such as how close an industrial facility is to homes and schools, local weather patterns, and additional'nuisance'factors such as the effect acrid and nauseating smells have on the quality of life in these communities. Organizations are working to improve federal and state standards and add asphalt plant fumes to the hazardous air pollutant(HAP)list under the federal Clean Air Act.Communities can take advantage of any state laws aimed at protecting local values that allow counties to determine where new industrial facilities will be located.These communiti( can band together to work with their county governments to prevent new asphalt plants from being located in their neighborhoods and prevent existing plants from renewing their permits until further evaluation of public health risks are conducted. 3. EXERCISE DEMOCRACY Federal regulations based on the"acceptable risk"model and self-regulating honor systems are inadequate to protect public health. Many states rely on inadequate federal standards that do not take into account local factors such as hmA close an industrial facility is to homes and schools,local weather patterns,and additional 'nuisance'factors such as the effect acrid and nauseating smells have on the quality of life in these communities. Organizations are working to improve federal and state standards and add asphalt plant fumes to the hazardous air pollutant(HAP)list under the federal Clean Air Act. Communities can take advantage of any state laws aimed at protecting local values that allow counties to determine where new industrial facilities will be located. These communiti can band together to work with their county governments to prevent new asphalt plants from being located in their neighborhoods and prevent existing plants from renewing their permits until further evaluation of public health risks are conducted. BE SAFE Platform is coordinated by the Center for Health, Environment&Justice.Contact us at CHEJ, P.O. Bc 6806, Falls Church,VA 22040,703-237-2249,or 518-732-4538,or visit www.besafenet.com http://www.besafenet.com/Asphalt.htm 1/11/2006