The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners held a public
hearing on
Present: Chair Eldon Edwards, Vice-Chair Warren
Taylor, Commissioner Graylen Blevins, Commissioner
Chair Eldon Edwards called the meeting
to order.
Planner
Chair Eldon Edwards reviewed the
rules for public hearings. He asked for
public comments.
Bruce Cook thanked the Board for
their work on the ordinance. He talked
about the impact of an asphalt plant on tourism, safety and welfare of the
citizens.
Lou Zeller with the Blue Ridge
Environmental Defense League talked about other polluting industries, the need
to clarify the intent of the ordinance and spacing requirements. He stated that he encourages the Commissioners
to pass the High Impact Land Uses / Polluting Industries Ordinance but he would
like to obtain a printed copy of the ordinance before he can issue his final
comments.
Janet Zeller, Executive Director
with Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League stated that she is proud of the
Board’s actions. She talked about
shortfalls in the ordinance and the State’s requirements for the permitting
process. She asked everyone to attend
the public hearing on November 21 about the air quality permit. She stated that local governments have the
responsibility to protect the health of the residents. She urged the Commissioners to follow through
with the ordinance.
Tom Burgiss talked about holding
meetings like this brings everyone closer together as a county. He stated that he hopes this ordinance will
close future polluting industries. He
further stated the elected officials have done a good job to protect us now and
in the future.
Eva Ingle with the National
Committee for the
Ricky Profitt stated that he is very
concerned about the health and safety of everyone. He thanked the Board for their efforts and
allowing the public the opportunity to speak and here everyone’s comments.
Michael Schweitzer stated that it is
very impressive how responsive the local government is in
Randel Hanes talked about the beauty
of the county. He thanked everyone for
speaking up about the quality of life here.
Betsy Dillon said thank you for the
ordinance that will protect the area and urges the Board to pass it.
Dr. John Kovacich presented medical
data concerning asphalt pollution that has been published by the CDC.
Earl Deal thanked the Board for the hard
work. He stated that he was glad to see
one of his concerns addressed about the traffic safety. He asked if the Board considered major feed
lot operations for this ordinance.
Chair Eldon Edwards stated that feed
lots hasn’t been discussed.
Earl Deal talked about feed lots have
become a major issue in other counties.
Joe Ritchie applauded the Commissioners
for their actions. He mentioned a
concern to consider is adding landfills as a polluting industry under Section
2, Article 1. He talked about his
concerns are
Joanna Sink talked about the beauty
of the county and it is up to us to protect it.
She thanked the Board for their work.
Chair Eldon Edwards stated his appreciation
for everyone comments. He talked about
landfills being a concern.
Commissioner
Commissioner Graylen Blevins talked
about fuel bulk storage facilities are one of the regulated uses in this
ordinance, which is his business. He
reminded everyone that everybody has harmful stuff just lying around and needs
to be mindful of those things. He stated
that he spoke to Maymead when he first heard about the proposed asphalt plant. He further stated that he was excited about
the potential progress in the County but the people spoke louder. He said that the ordinance protects the
County in general. He thanked everyone
for coming tonight.
Commissioner Ken Richardson thanked
everyone for the comments as they relate to the
Chair Eldon Edwards talked about
Being no further business, Chair
Eldon Edwards closed the public hearing at
Respectfully Submitted,
Clerk to the Board
Attest:
Eldon Edwards
Chairman