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AspHALT - Stop the Asphalt Plant in Wilton!

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Town of Wilton and all abutting towns: PLEASE CONTRIBUTE!

100% of the funds raised on this site (except for fees charged by GoFundMe and their financial agent, WePay) will be used to prevent an asphalt plant from being built in Wilton.

State rules for requesting a zoning variance now include the following criteria:
A.    The variance will not be contrary to the public interest. (“Does the variance alter the essential character of the neighborhood or threaten the health, safety, or general welfare of the public?”)
Funds may only be used to create and promote awareness of the proposed plant, and for legal fees and expenses.

B.    The spirit of the ordinance is observed

C.     Substantial justice is done

D.    The values of surrounding properties are not diminished; and 

E.     Literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would result in an unnecessary hardship.

Our objection is based on the following:

1.     We believe the height variance requested alters the “essential character of the neighborhood” as defined in (A). No other man-made structure of the requested height exists anywhere in Wilton.  In addition, as defined in (B) above, we contend the spirit of the ordinance is NOT observed. The building height limit was determined not only by the town’s fire equipment, but also to preserve the rural nature of the town.

2.     Asphalt Plants produce and release toxic chemicals, including arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, cadmium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, condensed particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxides, nitrogen oxides, and phenol. Granting a variance that allows an asphalt plant to be built threatens “the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.”

 3.     Wilton Water Works has indicated the need for the town to identify and develop an alternative water source for future needs. The aquifer located in immediate proximity to the proposed asphalt plant is identified as a location for a town well. Therefore, an asphalt plant threatens “the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.”

 4.     The EPA states exposure to asphalt processing or fumes may cause cancer, impact central nervous system health (brain and neural damage), cause liver damage, respiratory issues, skin irritation, chronic headaches, dizziness, and nausea. This threatens “the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.”

 5.     The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s database of hazardous materials notes the “highly flammable” and “explosive” nature of asphalt vapors and calls for a “1/2 mile isolation and evacuation in all directions”  if the event a tank, rail car, or tank truck is on fire. This threatens “the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.”

 6.     In reference to the diminishment of property values, (D) The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League has studied the adverse impacts on property values for residents living near asphalt plants, documenting losses of up to 56%. Therefore, the value of Wilton properties can be expected to diminish.

 7.     Finally, in reference to (E) “Literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would result in an unnecessary hardship,” we note the property is already being used without hardship and in accordance with zoning.
 

Organizer

Chris Balch
Organizer
Wilton, NH

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