In spite of the activity on the lot of the proposed concrete batch plant, the matter is far from settled. We have appealed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals the order of the Environment Improvement Board (EIB) to overturn the Secretary of the Environment’s order denying the air quality permit for the plant. We…
November 3, 2023 By: Galen Farrington What is a Sacrifice Zone? When I taught freshman English at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso, I taught the two-part selection, “Cancer Alley, The Poisoning of the American South” and the class was introduced to the concept of Environmental Justice and specifically the term “environmental racism.” Today, ten years later,…
Judge Sugg has denied our motion for preliminary injunctive relief to prevent the start of construction of the proposed concrete batch plant. We strongly disagree with Judge Sugg’s ruling and believe he is disregarding the uncontroverted evidence that the plant would cause excessive noise to the adjoining lots and surrounding properties. Part of Judge Sugg’s…
Many of you have noticed, and commented on, the excavation activities that began last Tuesday. This appears to be an attempt by Roper Construction Inc. to start construction at their proposed concrete batch plant site in the absence of an approved air quality permit. While the EIB did vote to overturn the Deputy Secretary’s Final…
The Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter’s magazine The Sierran features an opinion piece by long-time Alto resident, and Alto CEP charter member, Galen Farrington in the upcoming Fall issue. Click here to read Galen’s personal observations of the impact the proposed Alto concrete batch plant would have on us, should it be permitted to be…
There are many valid reasons why a concrete batch plant should not be built at the proposed location. Among them are: First and foremost, it is a health hazard, particularly to those with respiratory issues. While there is no single established dangerous proximity zone, since it depends to some extent on topography, wind direction and wind speed,…
