A Call to Action! Help us to stop the construction of a Concrete Batch Plant in Archer, FL

By: Bill Lewandowski

R. E. Arnold Construction, Inc. wants to build a Concrete Batch Plant, in Archer, FL. A concrete batch plant mixes together the ingredients of concrete (cement, water, aggregate, and admixtures).  The ingredients are mixed at the plant, and the concrete is then transported to the construction site in trucks. 

Concrete Batch Plants are a well-known, documented, global source of particulate matter air pollution. In particular, dust from cement, the main ingredient in concrete, is a well-known biohazard. Storm and wastewater runoff from these plants can also become contaminated. Of course, not only people are at risk from pollution. Pets, farm animals, and wildlife (including our extensive bird population) are also at risk.

A recent paper in Environmental Science and Technology, "Polluting the Radar: Emissions, Inequality and Concrete Batch Plants in Houston" (Environmental Science & Technology 2023 57 (31), 11410-11419 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04412), documented not only the adverse effects on human health (particularly those with pre-existing conditions) these plants can have, but also how they are often situated in the middle of communities with higher proportions of people of color, and low-incomes, resulting in disproportionate pollution burdens and their associated adverse health effects. In other words, communities that do not have the financial wherewithal to prevent these plants from being built. In addition to the pollution coming from the plant itself, there is also the significant noise and air pollution that comes from the 60,000 to 80,000 pounds, fully loaded, diesel cement trucks going through our small City.

Archer, FL certainly fits the pattern described in the paper, it has a population of about 1,000, 44% of which are Black or Hispanic with 34.7% of the total population below the poverty level. And, the proposed site for this plant is a defunct, 19th century foundry located in the middle of the City adjacent to homes. The action of the R. E. Arnold Construction also fits this pattern. During a recent City Commission meeting, Mr. Arnold threatened our cash-strapped City with legal action if the Commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on industrial development.

There will be a Conditional Use Permit hearing on this plant on September 9th at 6PM. The meeting is currently scheduled to be held in the Commission's Chambers, at Archer City Hall, 16870 SW 134th Ave, Archer, FL 32618. If you can, please attend to voice your opposition to the proposed plant. You can also write to the Commissioners and Mayor.  The contact information for commissioners is located here: https://www.cityofarcher.com/citycommission.

Thank you!