Batch plant permit OK'd after outcry

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — After much vocal opposition, Coeur d'Alene Paving will have a conditional-use permit to operate a restricted surface mine and concrete and asphalt batch plant just west of Athol.

Kootenai County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved the request after a public hearing attended by nearly 60 people despite slushy road conditions.

Several neighbors voiced concerns that the operation could lead to health, air, noise, traffic, home value and aquifer issues. However, others, including board members, said the company must comply with regulatory standards to address those concerns.

The 20-acre site is off Highway 54 and within the city of Athol's area of city impact. The conditional-use permit approval reinstates the paving firm's previous similar operation in a wooded area with berms.

Commissioner Leslie Duncan, who lives near a rock-rushing plant in the Garwood area, said that operation does a good job of mitigating dust and noise. She believes Coeur d'Alene Paving will do the same as she has a friend who lives near the company's current plant on Highway 53.

"I have a problem making a decision that says, 'I don't trust how you run your business,'" she said. "I am confident that Coeur d'Alene Paving will listen to concerns and immediately fall into compliance if it violates the CUP.

"I do trust (agencies such as Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Panhandle Health). While not perfect, I believe they'll do a good job mitigating (potential issues)."

Commissioner Bill Brooks said he also has friends who live near the company's Highway 53 plant.

"They don't have any problems with it at all," he said.

Commissioner Chris Fillios said he believes the operation and neighbors can co-exist.

"We've had asphalt operations operating for years in the community," he said. "The number of complaints and known illnesses are sufficiently slim. It would be hard for us to factor that into the decision."

When Duncan asked Shawn Sweetapple, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s air quality manager, if he would live near the operation, Sweetapple said he would.

But Carl Bergh, one of two men who spoke on behalf of groups of residents in opposition, said the company fell short of providing the county a thorough narrative of the project. He said changing times and the expiration of the previous permit also call for a fresh, hard look at the request.

"What fit 10 to 20 years ago in a location may not fit today," Bergh said.

Visibly upset after the decision, Bergh said he doesn't believe the company addressed previous violations in a timely manner.

Jodi Wrigley said she opposed the request due to possible health hazards and the "undeniable stink."

Craig Cozad of Coeur d'Alene Paving said the company has plans to operate a concrete batch plant at the location, but has no immediate plans for a day-to-day asphalt plant.

Steve Syrcle, who represented the company, said there are only seven homes within a half-mile of the plant and two of those are owned by the family who leases the land to the paving company. He also argued that having the operation in the location will save taxpayers money on future road projects.

The commissioners' approval upheld an earlier recommendation by a hearing examiner.

Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. All operations would be closed on Sundays and holidays. Night operations will be allowed for contracted city, county, state and federal projects only.