Eno group raps asphalt plant
Proposed business would be near Cates Creek

BY GEOFFREY GRAYBEAL ggraybeal@heraldsun.com; 918-1033
Chapel Hill Herald
Monday, March 10, 2003

HILLSBOROUGH - The Eno River Association, a nonprofit river watchdog group, is opposed to an asphalt plant proposed for five acres along Valley Forge Road.

"The Eno River is a gem," said Holly Reid, a Hillsborough resident and association board member. "It's a total gem in the Piedmont. We understand how the town would like to encourage industries and economic development, but this is too high of a risk for the town to consider industry that close to the river."

The proposed asphalt plant is near Cates Creek, which empties into the Eno River.

Following a hearing that lasted about three hours and 15 minutes, the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment delayed decision last month on the controversial plant. The public hearing on the matter will continue at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Town Barn.

"There's a multitude of concerns for this particular industry because it affects both surface and ground water and air quality and noise and has some impacts which are beyond a possible nuisance," Reid said. "I think it is a real health hazard for the community."

Reid said the Eno is a source of drinking water for Hillsborough, Durham and Raleigh that needs to be protected. Reid acknowledged she has a personal stake in the matter as well. Her children swim in the river often and her family monitors where Cates Creek enters the Eno.

She said there are too many environmental, ecological, human health, historical and cultural concerns to approve Bahama resident Doug Robins' application to construct a plant.

Robins is the owner of Durham-based Asphalt Experts Inc., which does paving, excavating and grading work.

Orange County's government is opposed to the project because it owns the land occupied by Orange Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that provides vocational jobs and training to residents with disabilities.

The county contends that dust, fumes, glare and runoff into Cates Creek are just a few adverse effects that would extend beyond the plant's lot that warrant denial of the permit.

Eight people spoke against the proposed plant last month and opposition is mounting.

"I hate the idea," said Hillsborough resident Richard Silverman. "Hillsborough is trying to attract businesses to the area, but I think Hillsborough needs to consider the environmental impacts of new business.

"Also, residents need to think about what they want Hillsborough to be. Do we want to be the destination for asphalt plants, shopping centers, gas stations or are there other visions for Hillsborough that are more positive?"

Silverman only recently learned of the proposal, but said he is greatly concerned by the potential plant.

Planning Director Margaret Hauth said the applicant has submitted more information since last month's hearing. She expects to receive additional evidence from the county as well.