Forsyth County residents are airing concerns about a proposed Clemmons asphalt plant.
Tennessee-based paving company Maymead is eyeing a site in Gun Club Industrial Park, not far from residential homes.
At Thursday's Forsyth County commission meeting, community members told the board they were concerned about noise, traffic and environmental impacts. Resident Doug Geiger said he’s particularly worried about air pollution.
“These emissions are known to be carcinogens," said Geiger. "They will drift directly into dense residential neighborhoods, local hospitals, schools and children's athletic facilities. We are talking about a lot of health risks.”
Commissioners say the decision is ultimately out of their hands because the site is already zoned for industrial use.
But Maymead still needs an air-quality permit to build. A spokesperson for the county’s environmental protection office says staff are reviewing the company’s application and must issue the permit if it meets state requirements.
Residents are invited to weigh in on that process during a public hearing. Officials say it will be scheduled after the environmental office completes an initial review.