Update 9/18/25: Health Over Wealth Benson (HoWB) is now an established non-partisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit civic organization. Every donation goes directly toward legal expenses and future efforts to protect and benefit the Benson community. Contributions to HoWB specifically fund the attorney representing our community in the case filed against ADI and the City. Donate here: https://givebutter.com/N6Nz3q

THANK YOU! Your Support Keeps Us in the Fight.

SAY NO! to Toxic Emissions from Aluminum Melting in Benson, Arizona!

Protect Our Health, Air, River, and Future.

We need your help ASAP!! Please join us in protecting our community's health and environment by opposing the following aluminum recycling center that will be melting and processing over 300,000 tons of aluminum per year in close proximity to residents' homes, businesses, our school, and the one of a kind San Pedro River! 
We must act now — before it's too late.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., through its subsidiary, Aluminum Dynamics, is planning to build an aluminum recycling facility in our small town, right along the San Pedro River. This River is significant because it is the last free-flowing river in the Southwest. It is a biologically rich corridor with protected riparian areas that support:

• Rare and endangered wildlife
• Migratory birds
• Clean water for surrounding communities

The emissions, runoff, and industrial activity could permanently damage this fragile ecosystem.

Review the company's violation history here: 

https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/parent/steel-dynamics-inc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 218-acre facility will operate 24/7. It will be located in our small town at the end of the main street. This facility's location will be a 1/4 of a mile from homes (including a nursing home) as well as ONE MILE from the local school (preschool-age infants to five and grades K-12). While it is being presented as economic development, the facts show it could be a serious public health and environmental threat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The proposed recycling plant will emit harmful air pollutants. The following numbers are taken directly from the developer's own ADEQ Air Dispersion Modeling Report (December 2024) and Potential to Emit calculations. They confirm that this facility will be a major polluter, subject to Federal Title V air permit oversight due to the volume of hazardous pollutants:

61.7 tons of Particulate Matter (PM10)
52.2 tons of Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
→ Linked to asthma, heart disease, and premature death
93.7 tons of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
→ Causes respiratory issues and contributes to smog
93.3 tons of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
→ Includes cancer-causing chemicals
80.3 tons of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
→ Limits oxygen to the brain and body
100.7 tons of Hazardous Air Pollutants (Total HAPs)
→ Includes Hydrogen Chloride (92.3 tpy)

❌ Emissions Thresholds ≠ Safety
Don’t be fooled by claims that emissions are “within legal limits.” The Clean Air Act’s thresholds (~10 tons/year of Hydrogen Chloride) are administrative, not health-based.
Even small amounts of these pollutants can have serious health effects, especially for:
🔹Children
🔹Seniors
🔹Those who are immunocompromised

Water Usage by Aluminum Plant

Facilities such as this require a huge amount of water, despite being located in a water-scarce desert region. In a time of worsening drought and groundwater depletion, this type of industrial water usage is irresponsible and unsustainable. If this project proceeds, Benson residents could see lower water tables, wells running dry, reduced/no river flow, and greater pressure on local water infrastructure.

Lack of Transparency and Local Input

Our government has not been honest about the risks, and this project has advanced with limited public awareness.

Most Benson residents only learned about this project very recently after land was leased/acquired and an application for a conditional use permit was already submitted. Our government has not been honest and open about the risks, and this project has advanced with limited public awareness. The public was not meaningfully involved in the decision-making process although they are directly affected by this decision. We will step up our efforts to make sure this does not continue by holding those in leadership accountable. We invite others in the
Benson/Cochise County community to join us!

✊ Join Us to Stop This Project
We, the residents of Benson and supporters across Arizona and beyond, demand that this facility not be built in our community.

By signing this petition, you are:

✅ Protecting the health of local families
✅ Defending the San Pedro River and its wildlife
✅ Demanding environmental transparency and accountability
✅ Saying NO to harmful industrial pollution in our town

Get involved:

🔹 Join our Facebook Group!

🔹 Visit our Website!

🔹 Participate in the ADEQ public comment period through Sept 16, 2025. There is a template and links to submit on our website link above.
🔹 Contact local officials and demand public hearings. Request a revote of ADI's conditional use permit and height variance granted by CITY OF BENSON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.

SIGN THIS PETITION TODAY
Help us show decision-makers that we won’t stay silent while our air, water, and health are put at risk.
No Benson Aluminum Plant. Not here. Not now. Not ever.