Leham, MD – The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) announced that Road & Driveway Company, Newport, OR has earned NAPA’s Diamond Quality Commendation.
The Diamond Quality Commendation is an honor in which a company, their customers, their employees and the industry can take great pride. It clearly demonstrates a corporate commitment to quality.
Larry H. Lemon, NAPA Chairman
Road and Driveway Company has been awarded the job for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration site demolition and grading. Work for the project began Monday morning and is proceeding on schedule. We are very fortunate and grateful to be a part of the work that will bring such a beneficial organization to our community and we welcome NOAA.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) held an "Informational Meeting" open to the public at Newport City Hall addressing Newport residents' concerns about the Newport asphalt plant odors. The meeting consisted of several presentations and a Q&A panel. Presenters included: DEQ Natural Resource Specialist Karen White-Falon, Dave Zillman from Albina Fuel Company, as well as Toxicologist, David Farrer, from Department of Human Services. Handouts were available at the meeting covering a range of information including: a Q&A on hot mix plants and environmental and public health considerations, a packet exclusively covering hot mix odors, hot mix asphalt emission fact sheets, etc.
In a nutshell, the outcome of the meeting was that the Newport asphalt plant accounts for a very small percentage (0.0066%) of the total emissions in Lincoln County. Total emissions for the Newport asphalt plant are actually significantly lower than the limits DEQ permits. As far as the asphalt odor goes, periodically smelling asphalt from the neighboring residential areas will not physically harm you. That's not to say that some may be more irritated by the smell than others, but that comes down to a matter of sensitivity.
In response to the Informational meeting, Road & Driveway Co. is making several improvements to the Newport asphalt plant including the installation of a state-of-the-art vertical liquid asphalt tank to replace the two horizontal tanks presently on site. The vertical orientation of the tank makes it more energy efficient and reduces emitted odors due to the lower exposed surface area of the asphalt stored inside. We are also in the early stages of implementing new warm mix technology also discussed at the informational meeting, which will nearly eliminate asphalt odors and reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, Road & Driveway Co. will provide dates in which the Newport asphalt plant will be running for the convenience of those concerned about the odors.
Provided below are copies of the power point presentations. A presentation on odors by David Farrer, MS, PhD, Toxicologist of the Department of Human Services, and a presentation on emissions by Karen White-Fallon, Natural Resource Specialist of DEQ. Copies of the handouts provided at the meeting are also available at the Road & Driveway Co. main office in Newport.