Sahuarita, Arizona is home to the serene community of Quail Creek, boasting approximately 4,000 residents. The only disruption to its peace comes from passing trains, providing a momentary interruption. However, the tranquil atmosphere of this developing neighborhood is now under threat due to a contentious project – a hot mix asphalt plant proposed less than a mile away.

Concerns of the Residents

Mark Zimmerman, a resident of Quail Creek for two and a half years and a leader of the Concerned Citizens of Sahuarita (CCS), expresses the community’s concerns about the potential impact on their quality of life. The CCS, born out of opposition to the asphalt plant, aims to address the potential hazards associated with the project.

Vulcan Materials Company’s Proposal

Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Company submitted a conditional permit application in January 2023 to add an asphalt plant to their property currently utilized as a gravel pit and storage facility. The company, a $4 billion conglomerate, operates 18 asphalt plants in Arizona, forming a part of its 36 facilities in the state.

Environmental and Health Risks

Residents, including former Chicago Bears player Robin Earl, fear decreased home values, groundwater contamination, and adverse effects on their health. Vulcan’s proposal reveals that the underground portion of the pit will be 67 feet deep, raising concerns as it lies approximately 70 feet from a critical aquifer that traverses Quail Creek, Saddlebrook, and Tucson.

Vulcan plans to operate the plant 24/7, estimating a significant increase in truck traffic from 30 to 225 vehicles daily. This spike in activity raises worries about potential accidents, especially at the entrance and exit intersected by Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Safety Concerns for Employees and Community

CCS volunteer Carl Larsen expresses concern not only for the community but also for Vulcan employees. The intersection of the property with Union Pacific Railroad tracks, where eight trains pass daily, poses safety risks. The projected increase to 30 trains in the future, coupled with Vulcan trucks carrying flammable substances, raises fears of accidents that emergency services may struggle to access.

History of Environmental Violations

Larsen points to Vulcan’s track record, citing a 2006 incident in Manhattan, a Chicago suburb, where the company was ordered to pay over $2.3 million for environmental violations. He raises apprehensions about potential pollution, emphasizing that emissions from the proposed plant could adversely affect the surrounding areas, particularly during windy conditions.

Wind Patterns and Potential Impact

If approved, CCS estimates that Quail Creek residents may need to keep their windows closed 20% of the time due to wind patterns. For those in central Sahuarita, this figure rises to 80% of the time. This raises concerns about the long-term impact on the residents’ well-being and daily life.

Town’s Response and Future Steps

Sahuarita Town Manager Shane Dille acknowledges the community’s engagement, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Thousands of concerned citizens have sent emails expressing their worries. Planning and zoning will review all documents and provide recommendations to the council. Public hearings will follow, providing CCS with an opportunity to voice their concerns on a larger platform.

In response to inquiries, Vulcan Materials Company stated that it is too early in the process to address specific concerns. However, CCS and residents remain skeptical about the potential risks associated with the asphalt plant.

The outcome of this controversy will undoubtedly shape the future of Quail Creek and its residents, with implications reaching beyond Sahuarita.