Please read the letter below and fill out the form to take action to oppose permanent permitting for Boxely Asphalt in Louisa County. Please contact ljones@vaipl.org with any questions.
Dear VA Department of Environmental Quality,
For several months now, Boxley Materials Company has been operating an asphalt mixing plant only 50 ft away from the residential home of Alberta and Theresa Coffey, where Alberta Coffey, Theresa's mother, has lived for almost 60 years. There have been multiple negative impacts on the Coffeys’ health and quality of life because of hazardous emissions from the neighboring asphalt plant. Theresa Coffey has expressed that she and her mother have already begun experiencing adverse health effects.
Asphalt plants can emit dangerous air pollutants and particulate matter as the asphalt is melted and mixed. The presence of this plant is an environmental justice concern as it threatens the air and water quality of those living nearby. Emissions from asphalt plants can lead to extreme health impacts on our neighbors, including headaches, nose, throat, and eye irritation, especially when exposed for long periods. Their physicians urged the Coffeys to stay indoors and always wear a mask when they have to go outdoors on their property.
Boxley is currently operating on a ‘portable’ air permit that was originally issued for a Boxley location near Lynchburg. Boxley is now requesting the VA Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issue a new air permit for the facility that they’ve begun operating next door to the Coffeys. As people of conscience, we have a moral obligation to support and protect the health of our neighbors and care for creation. As residents of the Commonwealth, we can build a collective voice in opposition to the asphalt company’s proposal and the adverse impacts on our community members' health and quality of life.
Please sign this petition to support Ms. Coffey and her family in this fight for environmental justice!
