Petition to Stop the Construction and Revoke the Licenses for the Hot Blend Asphalt Plant in Birzeit!

We the undersigned are calling on the Municipal Council of Birzeit, and the responsible Palestinian authorities, to revoke the licenses and halt the ongoing construction of the hot blend asphalt plant being constructed in Birzeit immediately. We also ask them to revoke any licenses issued for building of the plant and encourage the rezoning of the area. We stand with all the affected people and the future of the town and urge all authorities to address this matter with the urgency it deserves.

An academic team from Birzeit University has confirmed what we know from many scientific studies around the world, hot blend asphalt plants wreak havoc on people and local environments. The asphalt plant currently being constructed in Birzeit is only 150 meters (approximately 500 feet) to the nearest home. The whole body of the official report can be read in Arabic here. The report has been translated into English and can be read here.  Emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere from asphalt plants can be directly inhaled and indirectly deposited through rain and air/water gas exchanges. When people inhale or ingest these toxic chemicals it increases the risk for cancer, central nervous system problems, liver damage, headaches, skin rashes, asthma, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation and coughing. Animal studies indicate that ingestion of toxins from asphalt plants can also cause reproduction problems, birth defects, and may impact the immune system. These conditions require intensive and long-term health care interventions which are costly to both the individual and society. These conditions also greatly reduce quality of life and may result in premature death.

Even the environmental impact study submitted by the asphalt plant investors (pg. 19, can be viewed here) to obtain approval from the various ministers warned unambiguously that there are long term adverse environmental and health damages that will affect the surrounding area.  

We the undersigned, therefore, call on the Birzeit Municipal Council and all relevant Palestinian government authorities to do the following:

1. For Birzeit Municipality Council to meet immediately, revoke its license approval for the Hot Blend Asphalt (Bitumen) Factory Plant in Birzeit, close the location of the plant, and prevent/halt any further construction.
2. For all relevant Palestinian government authorities that have granted approvals and offered no objections to reverse course, emphasize their disapproval,  and order the halting of any further construction.
3. To reconsider the zoning in that area, change it to a designation consistent with the needs of the neighboring residential areas, and to issue clear regulations that will prevent the consideration of issuing licenses for any future harmful factories or plants.