Asphalt plant’s noise subject of county hearing next week

<p>The Sonoma County Planning Commission meets next week to consider changes to a General Plan noise policy that would allow the creation of a controversial asphalt plant south of Petaluma.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>The plant and concrete recycling facility, given a tentative approval by county supervisors on Feb. 3, would generate noise greater than currently allowed for the 38-acre site known as Haystack Landing.</p><p>Two riverside residences near the Petaluma Boulevard South property would be subject to increased noise from the plant, so the planning commission will consider a General Plan amendment allowing greater noise at the project site.</p><p>“We’re seeking to allow them to have some exceeding of noise standards,” county planner Steve Padovan said.</p><p>Restrictions on hours of operation and the installation of new windows paid for by the plant operator, Dutra Materials, would cut down on the noise at nearby homes, the project’s environmental impact report says.</p><p>The Board of Supervisors granted preliminary approval for the plant on a 4-1 straw vote this month, directing that the issue return for a final vote March 24.</p><p>Next week’s planning commission hearing is at 1:40 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Permit and Resource Management Department, 2550 Ventura Ave. in Santa Rosa.</p><p>— Argus-Courier</p>