Metcalf Asphalt Plant Environmental Injustice

A fight for environmental justice in North Canaan

Environmental injustice occurs when certain groups carry a greater share of environmental risks and hazards and lack the power to influence decisions about the environment. Ben Metcalf hopes the people of North Canaan lack the power to influence decisions which will have a significant impact on their environment and their homes. If he wins, he will have carried out environmental injustice.

Ben Metcalf is on his third lawsuit against our town. He is using a writ of mandamus to try to get a Judge to command our town to issue him a permit to build an asphalt plant. He is making a motion in limine to preclude any evidence at the trial. Evidence that should be presented in a town hearing for the townspeople of North Canaan to decide upon.

Ben Metcalf does not want our town to make its own decisions. He wants to be the only decision maker. He does not want to follow town and state regulations.

Being on the Stop the Asphalt Plant Committee (STAP) is different from serving on other boards or committees. We are fighting for our homes and the future of our town. According to the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, asphalt plants have negative effects on property values and health. One study documented property value losses of up to 56%, and another showed nearly half the residents had negative health effects. The EPA lists many chemicals involved in asphalt production as known carcinogens.

STAP is very grateful to the hundreds of citizens of North Canaan for showing up at meetings, signing petitions and even sending donations to cover legal fees and the cost of flyers. The public support is heartening.

Thank you,

Dolores Perotti

Please voice your objection via email!

State of Connecticut Contacts:

State Representative Maria Horn - Maria.Horn@cga.ct.gov
U.S. House Representative Hayes -https://hayes.house.gov/contact/email-me
State Senator Craig Miner -https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/contact-miner/
U.S. Senator Blumenthal -https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/contact/
U.S. Senator Murphy - https://www.murphy.senate.gov/contact
DEEP: deep.aquiferprotection@ct.gov

Town Official Contacts:

Planning & Zoning - zoning@northcanaan.org
Charles P. Perotti - selectman@northcanaan.org
Craig Whiting (Selectmen) - cwhiting57@yahoo.com
Christian P. Allyn (Selectmen) - christianallyn@gmail.com
Inland Wetlands - c/o selectman@northcanaan.org

Here's how to: Voice your objection!


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