Valley Springs, CA…Ford Construction Company the operators of the New Hogan Rock Quarry for the past 20+ years has requested that the Calaveras Planning Department review the possibility of placing a Hot Asphalt Mixing Plant at their existing quarry location. Peter Maurer, Calaveras County’s Planing Director reviewed the request and determined that the existing M2 zoning at the quarry property allows for the installation of a asphalt plant without the need for a EIR or Conditional use Permit.

Asphalt plants are well-regulated in the US by the EPA, as well as federal and state (CEQA) environmental agencies.
Asphalt Plants, by law, employ multiple emission control systems and more than a decade ago the EPA determined that such facilities are not a major source of pollution. Hundreds of communities across the country coexist peacefully with asphalt plants, most of them are known as good neighbors.

We at CCRP, have researched the effects of this asphalt plant installation in our community and have determined through careful analysis that we strongly support Ford Construction’s installation at their existing rock quarry.
It will have a Positive Economic impact on our county, Create Employment for the residents, Manufacture a Product locally — used daily, and Reduce the trains of trucks that bring the product from neighboring counties.

* Asphalt is a Sustainable Product, it is 100% recyclable. In fact, it is the most recycled material in the
country — Recycled asphalt stockpiles of (RAP) have been found to be practically emission free !
* Asphalt is inert, because it is waterproof, there is no residual material leached from the pavement itself.
In fact, over the past 50 years a number of residential drinking water reservoirs and fish hatcheries have been lined with asphalt.
* Asphalt plants often operate near drinking water aquifers and other potentially sensitive areas without incident. These plants are located in urban, suburban and rural areas. Because asphalt must be applied at
250 degrees, it therefore, needs to be produced relatively close to where its is needed.
* Asphalt plant emissions are very low and getting lower; it is also produced with a low consumption of energy, therefore low emission of greenhouse gases. The majority of emissions come from the combustion of fuel — propane in this case. Other potential emissions, such as dust are captured by “baghouse filters.” Since 1970 asphalt production has increased by 250% while decreasing stack emission by 97% !

There has been no-shortage of mis-information regarding the installation and negative effects of this asphalt plant. Its a shame folks start throwing tantrums, crying wolf, disseminating unsubstantiated negative material against something before they even attempt to understand it! This economic opportunity is important to our rural community looking desperately for job creation and economic growth.