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…
On July 20, 2023 the Attorney for the Alto CEP Tom Hnasko filed an “Appellant’s Docketing Statement” with the New Mexico Court of Appeals, regarding the deliberation and vote of the Environment Improvement Board (EIB) to overturn the Final Order of the Deputy Secretary of the Environment to deny the air quality permit for the…
Cynthia E. Black Ms. Corral: I’m opposed to the construction of the concrete batch plant proposed by the Roper Construction Company. My primary reason for opposition: Limited & connected aquifers where high use impacts neighbors Aquifer contamination potential is high There are other issues to consider for opposition to this concrete plant involving air quality,…
January 31, 2022 To Whom It May Concern: Fort Stanton Cave and the Snowy River Passage is a Lincoln County Jewel that was formed by the pure waters from the great Sierra Blanca Mountain in our back yard, and must be protected. In 2005 the cave was designated a National Conservation Area by Congress,…
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,…
The Deputy Environment Secretary for Operations Stephanie Stringer has made her decision. The air quality permit application for the proposed Alto Concrete Batch Plant has been DENIED. The Deputy Environment Secretary’s final order can be read here. As is said in this final order, the New Mexico Environment Department had never received an outpouring of public…
I had a friend at my last job who had a sign on his desk that read: “Stamp out TLA’s *” * Three Letter Acronyms The title of this post made me recall that sign. Except, these TLA’s are more serious. The title decodes as: Individual Retirement Account Required Minimum Distribution Qualified Charitable Distribution. Still…
