Acommunity is up in arms over a nearby asphalt company they claim is a danger to their health and the environment.
Roughly 50 Talent residents gathered at Lynn Newbry Park Saturday to voice their concerns about the impacts they say Mountain View Paving has had on the community.
“It doesn’t seem prudent or responsible to allow any asphalt production near a proven area with flood potential,” said protester Richard K.
Mountain View Paving has been at their current location for nearly 12 years but are reportedly not in compliance with county regulations.
Today the company’s gates were locked.
But Kaylin Mcamany, the step-daughter of the owner attended the rally and spoke out to the crowd.
“Ijust remember [the owner] Paul being so excited about brining his asphalt plant here and expanding his business because this company means the world to him,” said Mcamany.
But some protesters who live nearby say smells from the asphalt plant are making them sick.
Cheryl Padilla claims her doctor even suggested living near the plant is not good for her health.
“If we don’t eliminate some of the things that we can eliminate the the Rogue Valley isn’t all that clean,” claims Padilla.
In addition, protesters say they’re worried about toxins that could wash out of the asphalt plant and into Bear Creek, posing a risk to fish and wildlife.
Protesters insist they don’t want the company to go out of business, but rather to move to a large commercial area.
But supporters of the plant say the costs associated with moving are just too high.
“I think it’s just hogwash to try to get a ruling to have him move, which will put him out of business,” said supporter Jay Miller.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.