Proposed concrete recycling plant in Florida on hold after local pushback

Plans for a concrete recycling plant have been tabled again in Titusville, Florida, after pushback from local community members concerned about environmental and health hazards, reports Florida Today.

At a June 16 meeting, a “heated” discussion between citizens, city council members and representatives for the recycling plant regarding the facility led to the council voting to postpone a final decision on its construction. The council will revisit the plans at a later date so the city can contract its own expert review of the plant’s potential environmental and health impacts on the area.

The owners of Independence Recycling of Florida—a subsidiary of Ohio-based DiGeronimo Cos.—seeking the build the facility say it can be operated without any pollution or noise. However, Florida Today reports many Titusville residents are skeptical, raising concerns about dust from crushing concrete and the plant’s proximity to the Indian River Lagoon.

While Independence Recycling says dust is not an issue, the city has required several conditions if the plant goes forward, including enhanced buffers, a fence and sound barrier, and a water-based dust suppression system. The city has also requested a sound study be conducted and submitted for review and approval, as well as that white noise backup sound be used on all on-site equipment.

According to Tara Tedrow, a lawyer who spoke at the meeting on behalf of Independence, the industrial zoning for the property means the property could someday house businesses like manufacturing or freight distribution, which have the potential to be more "intensive" than the plant in terms of noise, pollution and effect on property values—some of the main concerns expressed by residents.

Lance Traves, an environmental consultant brought on by Independence to attest to the company’s safety standards, says the plant poses none of the risks that have been worrying residents. Still, community members had skepticism surrounding his relationship with Independence.

“The fact of the matter is he represents the company and quite honestly they're not going to pay him if he's not going to say the right stuff,” Titusville Mayor Dan Diesel says. “I don't think there's anything wrong ... with having somebody who represents the city telling me what's best for the city.”

As reported by Florida Today, Council Member and Vice Mayor Jo Lynn Nelson says the city must retain its own outside expert to weigh in on the possible hazards associated with such a project.

Construction & Demolition Recycling has reached out to Independence Recycling for comment.