Alstonville residents living near Ballina Shire Council’s bitumen plant are concerned they are being exposed to toxic chemicals.
They also fear a proposed amendment to the bitumen plant’s development application with result in more foul odours and noise.
Alstonville residents Tyrone and Helen McGillick, who formed the Alstonville Asphalt Watch a couple of years ago are concerned that the council is also approving Das for residential developments along Teven Road, near where the plant is situated in Gap Road.
They say the approvals are within a buffer zone which is against current environmental guidelines.
‘This bitumen plant is allowed to operate all night for 60 nights of the year which is also having an impact with the rumbling of heavy quarry trucks often lasting all night,’ Ms Helen McGillick said.
‘Worse still our home often stinks of bitumen even when we close all the windows.
‘Our experience is not unique and many residents are similarly impacted. Bitumen manufacturing is known to produce carcinogenic fumes and public health should come first.’
Cr Jeff Johnson said the concern from members of the Alstonville community was understandable.
‘They are concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals and living with foul odours and noise,’ Cr Johnson said.
‘All of this is likely to increase with a proposed amendment to the bitumen plant’s DA which will expand the existing operations.
‘The NSW EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) appears happy for Boral to self-monitor the air pollution that is obviously leaving the quarry.
‘No scientific testing has been carried out and the EPA feel that a “sniff” test conducted by Boral’s own employees is sufficient. Testing is the job of the EPA, especially when residents health is at stake.’
Cr Johnson said a number of public meetings had been held by Alstonville Asphalt Watch (AAW) to discuss the latest proposal by Boral and to raise awareness about the potential health impacts that the bitumen plant could be having for local residents.
‘Quite rightly there is a growing concern within the Alstonville community about the health impacts that the bitumen plant could be causing, particularly for children who are at greater risk from exposure to the toxic fumes which can often be smelt in local homes,’ he said.
He said the latest NSW Government Guidelines confirm that bitumen plant’s proximity to local residents is a serious concern and the batching plant needs to be relocated away from homes.
Ballina mayor David Wright said the DA would go before the council in the next few months.
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