BENTONVILLE — Benton County planners delayed a decision on a metal recycling facility near Gentry, hoping more information will be available for a renewed discussion in January.
The Benton County Planning Board tabled action on a proposed large-scale development plan from USA Metal Recycling for a 39-acre site near Gentry. The board voted to wait until the company can present more information, including the results of its storm-water permit application pending with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and an environmental assessment from Environmental Services Group, the firm hired by USA Metal to do the permit work.
The board tabled the matter after a nearly three-hour public hearing at which nearby residents complained about noise, dust, traffic, potential air and water pollution and the alteration of their rural residential neighborhood.
Jim Jenson, who gave his address as being in Siloam Springs, said he has lived on property near the proposed recycling facility for 53 years. Jenson said he has been concerned about the use of the land since 2004 and noted an increase in traffic, noise and dust. He said he relies on well water and is also concerned the business, which crushes wrecked vehicles, could contaminate his water supply.
“It just does not fit thecommunity,” Jenson said. “I’m asking you to please deny this permit.”
The business also drew opposition from officials of a nearby school. Monte Fisher, principal of the Ozark Adventist School, said the school has many students with asthma, allergies and other health conditions.
“I just ask you to turn down this permit because we must consider the children and this business is not worth one child’s health,” Fisher said.
Smith told the board he heard and was concerned by the neighbors comments, but defended his business operation, which he said was suffering from the image of the industry as a whole. He said he prefers to meet withpeople individually to discuss any concerns.
“I hear their complaints and I think they can all be addressed,” Smith said. “Our company has worked hard to do things the right way.”
Last Wednesday’s public hearing was the second Planning Board meeting at which the USA Metal proposal was considered. At its Nov. 21 meeting, the board held a Technical Advisory Committee review of the proposed large-scale development plan for the company’s property on old Arkansas 59 near Gentry. The company began operating there in October without having gone through the planning process and was sent a notice to cease operation until it obtained the required approval.
News, Pages 7 on 12/12/2012