Research

Blackberry River Valley Protection Alliance, Inc.

• About Asphalt Fumes: There is nothing “JUST” about Asphalt Fumes (or as it seems the Metcalf GemPatch Cold Patch sheet likes to call it “MIST”) from asphalt manufacturing. It is NOT “just a nuisance”... NOT just smell. Asphalt Fume Hazard statements assert that it can “...cause skin, respiratory, and eye irritation. Could potentially be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Suspected carcinogenic; the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that there is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of asphalt fumes.” More DATA SHOWS that... “Benzene is a chemical with a specific OSHA regulation. OSU Chemical Safety Committee has classified the chemical benzene as a High hazard carcinogen. Use of this chemical must be registered and controlled, Long-term exposure, even at very low concentrations, may cause incurable, fatal blood disorders such as anemia or leukemia.” More at https://www.blackberryrivervalleyprotectionalliance.org/2019/03/nothing-just.html

• Aquifer Risk under the site that the B. Metcalf Paving, Inc. has plans to build an asphalt plant on. From Housatonic Valley Association documentation of North Canaan, Connecticut Wetland Soils & Aquifer Potential Areas. This also risks contaminating the groundwater going to the Blackberry River and aquifers that feed town water well system and private wells. More information HERE.

• Attorney General's Opinion on "...asphalt batching..." sites: Attorney General's Opinion, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, October 30, 1998. Read HERE.

• Asphalt Plants are Regulated under Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Plan: “...a comprehensive and coordinated system of land use regulations should be established that includes state regulations which protect public drinking water wells located in stratified drift aquifers… (Stratified Drift Aquifers consist of stratified layers of sand and gravel. Most productive aquifers. High permeability/moderate porosity. Susceptible to pollution)…”... “... What Are The Effects of Groundwater Contamination? According to Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Area Program (which North Canaan has adopted) Municipal Manual groundwater contaminated with chemicals, pesticides, gasoline or oil can cause serious human and animal health problems. Those who drink it or come in contact with it can suffer diseases, nervous system disorders, liver or kidney failure, or cancer. Detection and treatment of contaminated water can be very expensive, much more expensive than taking steps to prevent the contamination from occurring in the first place. …” More at Connecticut’s Aquifer Protection Area Program https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Aquifer-Protection-and-Groundwater/Aquifer-Protection/Aquifer-Protection-Program

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