Sunroc Corporation has requested a 5 year land use authorization to utilize 240 aces of Federal land for the extraction of approximately 200,000 cubic yards of material per year and the operation of a material crushing site within palisades reservoir. This proposed expansion is more than three times the size of the original site and poses significant risks to our community.

I am creating this petition to highlight and raise awareness about the potential health, environmental, economic and community concerns associated with this expansion.

Health and Environmental Impacts

Research has consistently shown the severe health dangers posed by dust contaminants, particularly respirable crystalline silica, produced by rock quarries. Silica dust is a known cause of silicosis, a debilitating and incurable lung disease. According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), long-term exposure to silica dust significantly increases the risk of developing silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. The study emphasized that even low levels of exposure over extended periods could have serious health consequences for those living near such operations (NIOSH, 2002). Sunroc Corp.’s current operation is less than half a mile from our town center, already exposing our residential neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces to potential health dangers. The proposed expansion would significantly increase daily exposure to contaminants.

Additionally, the EPA has issued warnings about the health risks associated with particle pollution, emphasizing that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular problems, worsened asthma, reduced lung function, and even premature death. This is particularly important for high risk populations, including children, elderly adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions.  The EPA's findings underscore the dangers of silica exposure, reinforcing concerns about the expansion of gravel pits near residential areas (article linked HERE).

There is an overwhelming amount of research and information available on the health dangers of dust contaminants produced by rock quarries. One study conducted in Palestine, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and citing over 50 studies/articles on dangers of quarry dust, found that residents living near quarry sites experienced significant declines in lung function and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The researchers concluded that the adverse respiratory health effects were directly linked to the inhalation of fine particulate matter, including silica dust, generated by quarrying activities (Al-Khatib et al., 2021).

Increased Truck Traffic and Air Pollution

The proposed expansion would significantly increase truck traffic, with over 22,000 truckloads needed to transport the estimated 200,000 cubic yards of material annually. This expansion would not only significantly increase road usage, but also contribute to higher levels of air pollution in our area. Diesel exhaust from trucks and plant equipment releases pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions are harmful to human health and can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) summarizes the health impacts of diesel particulate matter (DPM), which is a component of diesel exhaust that contains a mixture of tiny particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. Exposure to DPM is associated with a range of serious health issues, including lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, and premature death. DPM is particularly harmful because it contains carcinogenic compounds and fine particles that can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the adverse health effects of DPM. This is directly related to an increase in diesel traffic associated with gravel pit operations, as the expansion of a gravel pit would likely result in a significant rise in diesel truck traffic. This increase would elevate levels of diesel particulate matter in the surrounding areas, heightening the risk of adverse health outcomes for nearby residents, particularly in residential neighborhood directly next to the gravel pit where diesel trucks will frequently operate (linked HERE).

Impact on Water Quality

The proximity of the proposed gravel pit expansion to the Palisades Reservoir raises significant concerns about water quality and the health of local aquatic ecosystems. Although Sunroc Corp addresses the extraction process in regard to water levels and storage of materials, even with the best compliance to these practices, it would seem impossible that dust and other particulates would not simply be blown into the nearby Palisades reservoir, the Snake and Salt Rivers, and the adjacent marsh areas. Dust and other particulate matter from gravel extraction and processing can easily be carried by wind and runoff into the reservoir, leading to increased sedimentation and potential contamination of the water supply. Furthermore, chemicals used in the extraction process, such as oils and lubricants, pose a risk of leaking into the water, threatening fish populations and other wildlife that depend on the reservoir. The proposed expansion would only increase the level of toxins entering these bodies of water.

Impact on Recreational and Residential Areas

The land adjacent to the current gravel pit is currently used for recreational purposes, with campers often enjoying the natural setting. Expanding the gravel pit would disrupt these recreational activities, depriving residents and visitors of a cherished local resource.

In addition to recreational use, the proximity of both a residential neighborhood, two existing schools and our town's public library within half a mile of the gravel pit is concerning. With a proposed new elementary school even closer, the risk of children being exposed to silica dust and other pollutants is alarming. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because they breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults and often spend extended periods outdoors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to particulate matter in children can lead to developmental issues, respiratory problems, and other long-term health impacts (WHO, 2013). 

Impact on Home and Property Values

As we begin to develop our master plan for the town, the presence and potential expansion of the gravel pit could significantly undermine our efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents, attract new businesses, and create a vibrant community atmosphere. This expansion raises concerns about the potential decline in home and property values. Numerous studies have shown that proximity to industrial sites, including gravel pits, can lead to a decrease in property values due to noise pollution, increased traffic, and air quality issues. Homebuyers are generally less willing to purchase properties near these operations because of the associated health risks, noise, dust, and potential damage to the aesthetic quality of the neighborhood. For existing homeowners, this can result in a substantial loss of equity and difficulty selling their properties at market value. Furthermore, potential future expansions or increased activity at the gravel pit can exacerbate these concerns, leading to further depreciation of property values in the surrounding area. 

Current Issues and Future Concerns

Even under current operations, there have been numerous complaints from residents about dust coating homes, decks, driveways, and playground equipment, despite measures to minimize it. The dust generated by the gravel pit is not just an inconvenience but a health hazard. The fine particulate matter that settles on surfaces is the same that enters the lungs of those who live nearby. These existing issues will only be exacerbated by an expansion, increasing the burden on residents and potentially leading to legal challenges similar to those seen in other communities.

How many times must municipalities recreate the wheel, spending taxpayers money on lawsuits and studies to protect their health, personal property and community?

The proposed expansion of the Sunroc Corp. gravel pit presents significant health, environmental, and community concerns that cannot be ignored. The evidence is clear that such operations pose substantial risks to nearby residents and the environment. 

If you oppose the expansion of the gravel pit, please sign below and share this message with your local friends and family. Additionally, you can express your health concerns directly to Mrs. Amanda Peterson, the Natural Resource Specialist, by emailing her at Aepeterson@USBR.gov or calling (208) 383-2233 before September 13th.