Members of the Jackson County Economic Development Commission met with citizens of the Qualla community at Smoky Mountain Elementary School Monday, Oct. 29, to hear comments regarding HMC paving owner Mark Fortner’s proposed asphalt plant in the community.

Qualla residents have consistently voiced their opposition to the plant since learning about it last spring. Their concerns led county commissioners in May to enact a one-year moratorium on the construction of asphalt plants in the county. Along with the moratorium, commissioners asked the Jackson County EDC to study the issue and come back with recommendations.

Tom McClure, EDC chairman, told the more than 75 citizens present Monday night that the EDC was charged only with making recommendations.

“It’s not our position to say yea or nay. Our recommendation won’t deal specifically with asphalt plants, but with polluting industries,” he said.

McClure said the EDC had met with various individuals, businesses and organizations to learn about the issues. The list included Jim Renfro, air quality specialist with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League; asphalt plants in Dillsboro and Enka; and Fortner.

“We’re coming to the end of meetings and we’re seeking your input,” McClure told the crowd.

About a dozen people signed up to speak and about that same number offered comments after those who signed up spoke. No one supported the plant.

One of the plant’s nearby neighbors, Charles Bradshaw, told the commission that added construction traffic along U.S. 441/74 would create more congestion and added hazards to the busy highway.

With the plant only about one-half mile (straight-line distance) from the school and a proposed recreational center, many wondered about long-term health effects that might be associated with asphalt plant emissions. Dr. David Triss warned that respiratory illnesses like asthma could have hidden economic impacts such as absenteeism and increased health care costs.

Harmon Wiechal told the group Smart Growth meetings across the county had determined that three of the things Jackson County residents valued most were clean air, clean water and a rural lifestyle.

“Qualla used to be that way,” Wiechel said.

“I don’t think the problem is necessarily the plant. I believe the location is wrong. I think we need a polluting industry ordinance in Jackson County.”

Asked what type of criteria the EDC would use to form its recommendation for county commissioners, McClure said the EDC looked at a variety of issues including different asphalt plant operations and air quality issues.

“The criteria is difficult for the EDC. These issues should be addressed by county commissioners. It’s the EDC’s job to make recommendations based on considered economic impacts and, personally, I think it’s impossible to make any recommendation about the economical impact of this plant without some kind of zoning [to project growth patterns] in place,” said Jay Coward, a Sylva attorney and EDC board member.

McClure asked those present how many supported some type of zoning. There was an overwhelming majority show of hands.

Robert Franz asked the EDC to recommend a polluting industries ordinance but not to tie it to any type of county-wide zoning. Franz feared a zoning battle would be a complex and divisive issue across the county while a polluting industries ordinance was pretty simple. No one would want these kinds of industries in their neighborhood, Franz said.

Fortner, who was present, did not speak at the meeting. He said he had been working with his engineer to finalize his permit application.

“The permit will decide a lot as far as where we go from here. Who knows, the state may decide not to permit us,” Fortner said.

McClure said the EDC would decide at its next meeting whether it needed more input or if it was ready to move forward with a recommendation.

 

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