Just Released: “Conversations with Councilmember Larry Agran” Episode 2: September 14 City Council Meeting Recap (Podcast)
Irvine City Councilmember Larry Agran has submitted multiple requests, asking Mayor Khan to schedule a special City Council meeting and public hearing to address residents' health concerns regarding the toxic emissions emanating from the All American Asphalt Plant in the northern part of the City.
For months, the Mayor and Council have kept the matter off the City Council agenda through the controversial "Rule of Two," which forces Councilmembers to obtain the support of a second member of the Council in order to add any item to the Council agenda.
Frustrated with the Mayor, Councilmember Agran held his own community hearing at City Hall on July 28th, with support from members of two community organizations: Non-Toxic Neighborhoods and Stop Toxic Asphalt Pollutants (STAP) in Irvine. The community hearing provided a public forum for residents and air quality experts to discuss the health and safety concerns regarding the asphalt plant, which is located in proximity to schools and family neighborhoods. To view Councilmember Agran's community hearing, click here.
The Mayor finally allowed a City staff "presentation" - not a public hearing - during the September 14th Council meeting. Due to the large turnout, what was scheduled to be a short staff presentation agenda item lasted nearly four hours, with 45 people participating in the Public Comments section. Speakers ranged from scientists at UCI to families who live in the neighborhoods near the asphalt plant. Several students from Northwood High School described medical problems they have faced over the past year that they attribute to dangerous emissions from the plant.
One resident provided a video of All American Asphalt plant trucks, showing that the trucks are often left uncovered as they travel through north Irvine neighborhoods and alongside Canyon View Elementary School where children are attending classes outdoors this year due to the pandemic.
Staff from the South Coast Air Quality Management District continue to say they have found inconclusive evidence of health risks, but do admit there are strong odors emanating from the asphalt-laden trucks.
After hours of comments from Irvine residents and volunteer UCI scientists, the Council appeared to agree that more testing needs to be done and that new regulations should be implemented mandating travel routes and trucks being covered while in transit.
However, Councilmember Agran went further, stating: "I think we have to face up to the fact that one way or another this plant, sooner rather than later, has to be shut down and removed to an appropriate place where production of asphalt can take place safely. It’s a heavy lift involving many actors, but we need to own up to the essential challenge."
For the latest information on the All American Asphalt plant, Councilmember Agran has released a new podcast. To listen, click the link below, or visit Councilmember Agran’s Spotify page by clicking here.
