If you reside anywhere near the Fort Collins city limits on N. Taft Hill Road, you’re likely familiar with what comes with the territory: smoggy air, noisy trucks, an asphalt plant as a nextdoor neighbor.

iStock
iStock
loading...

According to the Coloradoan, Fort Collins residents, who met their Martin Marietta Materials neighbor in 2010, are worried about potentially toxic emissions the plant releases into the air, including low levels of known carcinogens. They have expressed that the plant is located too close to neighborhoods and schools, and are genuinely concerned about the health hazards it presents to the community.

Ironically, Fort Collins is typically known as a “green” city, which has implemented sustainable building codes and even has a public transportation system supported by alternative, non-fossil fuel power. Needless to say, many are shocked to learn that Martin Marietta Materials is being supported by Fort Collins. Aggregate Research has reported that the city bought half of the materials produced there in 2013, and held a multi-million dollar contract with the company just last year.

Despite complaints from nearby residents, who will endure the plant's odorous byproducts and the carbon monoxide it generates, Martin Marietta Materials has been granted a permit to continue operating at its current location near the Poudre River. The stipulation is limits on production.

Shannon McMillian of the Air Pollution Control Division told the Coloradoan that the company is in full compliance with its air permit and state regulations, and Martin Marietta Materials has also agreed to strive to improve the impact its trucks have had on roads in the area. However, for residents who will be dealing with the plant for the next seven to 15 years, this probably feels like putting a Band-Aid on a broken bone— probably not going to help much.

More From Power 102.9 NoCo - KARS-FM