This letter is to draw attention to what is happening in Montezuma County as it pertains to a hot asphalt mix plant being zoned into the same area that houses a hospital, four nursing homes and a recreational area.
People in this area are trying to get and stay healthy. The plant is very counter-productive. I looked up what hot asphalt plants do. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency all describe the toxicity and harmful effects of air pollutants from hot asphalt mix plants on humans.
There is no way to really regulate what is done in these plants even if every law is adhered to and every effort is made. We must put safety first and rethink the current plan that fails to protect our community from the daily health hazards of asphalt plant pollution in areas designed to improve one’s health, not harm it.
The dictionary describes planning and zoning as specific geographical areas separate from each other. We need to do this. Let the commissioners know where you stand by attending the meeting on Monday, May 8, at 1:45 p.m., at the courthouse on Main Street in the commissioners’ room on the third floor.
Ruth Pearson
Cortez
