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Executive Director’s OfficeGeneva Rock Hot Mix Asphalt Plant
Morgan County
On December 22, 2000, the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) issued an Approval Order (AO) to Wilkinson Construction for an asphalt plant and crushing operation near the city of Morgan in Morgan County. The county is an attainment area for air pollutants under National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The air quality permit for the plant allows processing of up to 500,000 tons of asphalt per year.
DAQ received notice on November 18, 2015, that Geneva Rock Products had purchased the Wilkinson Construction plant and was now responsible for complying with the terms and conditions contained in the permit. Prior to its purchase by Geneva Rock Products, the hot asphalt mix plant did not operate on a regular basis. The final inspection memo issued June 28, 2016, reconfirmed that Geneva Rock is in compliance with all conditions in the permit.
In response to complaints received by DAQ, the division conducted an inspection of the plant and its operations on May 12, 2016. The inspector evaluated all the conditions in the permit and found Geneva Rock to be in compliance with the visual (opacity) and equipment requirements contained in the permit. Production records will be posted soon, along with the final inspection memo for the May 2016 inspection.
The visible plume associated with plant operations is actually 200°F steam from the plant’s emissions control device (baghouse). The hot water vapor exiting the stack condenses rapidly upon hitting the much cooler, ambient air and develops into a dense plume as it cools down. Particulate-matter emissions from the baghouse were found to be at 6 percent of their permitted limit during the plant’s last stack test; this parameter will be tested again this year.
DAQ requires facilities to use the appropriate pollution controls, including Best Available Control Technology (BACT), to lower their emissions. DAQ includes monitoring, testing, and reporting requirements in the permit to ensure that source operations are in compliance with all applicable laws and rules. Road safety, odor, discharge ponds, and impacts to water wells do not fall under the division’s statutory authority.
Residents who would like to submit a formal complaint to DAQ about smoke, dust, or other air quality issues can fill out the electronic complaint form available on the DEQ website. oncerns regarding other issues can be directed to the Weber-Morgan Health Department/Environmental Health at (801) 399-7160 or local zoning and planning authorities.
