Our research evaluates the potential environmental and traffic hazards associated with a proposed asphalt plant located on US Highway 20, Walton County, Florida, in close proximity from approximately 4,000 homes in Freeport, near the intersection with County Highway 83A. Our analysis, opinions and conclusions, focuses on air and water contamination risks, potential impacts on the Choctawhatchee Bay, and traffic hazards from increased asphalt truck activity. Data from environmental studies, regulatory standards, and traffic models were used to assess impacts, with visualizations illustrating contamination and traffic risks. 

Introduction

The proposed asphalt plant on US Highway 20 in Walton County, Florida, raises significant concerns due to its proximity to a residential area of approximately 4,000 homes in Freeport and the ecologically sensitive ChoctawhatcheeBay. Asphalt plants are known to emit air pollutants, generate wastewater, and increase local traffic, posing risks to human health, water quality, and road safety. Our research synthesizes data on air emissions, water contamination, and traffic impacts, using charts and graphs to illustrate potential hazards and their implications for the local community and environment.

Asphalt plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) during production. These pollutants can affect respiratory health, particularly in communities within a 0.5-2 mile radius, as is the case in Freeport.

Based on EPA emission factors for hot-mix asphalt plants, a typical facility produces:

•  VOCs: 0.05–0.15 lb/ton of asphalt produced

•  PM10: 0.02–0.04 lb/ton

•  PAHs: 0.0001–0.001 lb/ton

Exposure to PM10 and VOCs is linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and cancer risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. PAHs are carcinogenic and can accumulate in the environment, affecting both human and ecological health. The proximity of the plant to 4,000 homes increases exposure risks, with dispersion models suggesting elevated pollutant concentrations within a 0.5-2 mile radius.

Asphalt plants generate wastewater containing oils, heavy metals, and PAHs, which can contaminate local water bodies if not properly managed. The proposed site’s proximity to the Choctawhatchee Bay, a critical ecological and economic resource, amplifies these risks.

Runoff from plant operations, including stormwater from stockpiles and process water, can enter nearby waterways such as Crawford Creek and Alaqua Creek, which flow into the Choctawhatchee Bay. Historical concerns in Freeport about landfill runoff contaminating local water bodies, as reported in 2016, suggest existing vulnerabilities in the area’s water management infrastructure.

The Choctawhatchee Bay is already impaired due to mercury and other pollutants, as noted in a 2010 EPA Waterbody Report. Additional PAH and heavy metal inputs from an asphalt plant could exacerbate water quality issues, harming fish, oysters, and seagrass beds critical to the bay’s ecosystem and local economy.

The asphalt plant will increase heavy truck traffic on US Highway 20 and County Highway 83A, both of which are heavily used by Freeport residents. Increased truck activity poses risks to road safety, congestion, and infrastructure wear.

A plant producing 100,000 tons of asphalt annually requires approximately 4,000 truck trips (assuming 25 tons per truck).With operations over 250 days, this equates to 16 daily round trips. Peak-hour traffic could see 2–4 additional trucks per hour, contributing to congestion at the US 20 and 83A intersection.

Property Value Decline

The plant’s noise, odors, and pollution could reduce property values by 10-20% or more within a 1-2 mile radius. This devaluation directly impacts homeowners’ wealth and reduces the tax base, limiting funds for local services like schools and infrastructure. Lower property values also deter new buyers, stalling real estate markets in Freeport and nearby areas.

The proposed asphalt plant on US Highway 20 poses significant risks to air and water quality, as well as traffic safety, due to its proximity to Freeport’s residential areas and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Emissions of PM, VOCs, and PAHs threaten human health and ecological integrity, while increased truck traffic could exacerbate congestion and accident risks.