Cleanup Begins at Controversial Industrial Site in Birmingham

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Cleanup efforts at a Birmingham industrial site

News Summary

Residents of the Hillman neighborhood in Birmingham express cautious optimism as cleanup efforts commence at a long-standing industrial site that has raised health and environmental concerns. The initiative, announced by Mayor Gary Richardson, is led by Dunn Construction. The site has been non-operational since a 2022 fire, but local residents have continued to suffer from dust and health issues linked to the area. Community leaders are pushing for strict regulations to ensure safety and prevent future disturbances.

Birmingham – Residents of the Hillman neighborhood are expressing cautious optimism as cleanup efforts begin at a long-standing industrial site in Midfield, announced by Mayor Gary Richardson. Dunn Construction is responsible for the cleanup at the property located at 4500 Jefferson Avenue Southwest, which has been a source of contention among local residents due to health and environmental concerns.

For over two years, the site has been non-operational following a catastrophic fire in 2022, but it previously processed blast furnace slag into roofing granules. Despite its closure, many residents in the vicinity, such as Brenda Campbell Thomas, have reported ongoing issues related to dust and debris resulting from a large slag pile adjacent to their homes, which they describe as an eyesore impacting their quality of life.

Community Impact and Health Concerns

The community’s worries escalate from health issues believed to be exacerbated by dust emissions from the site. Reports indicate that residents have been suffering from upper respiratory problems, which they link to the industrial operations. Health inspections conducted in 2021 and 2022 documented instances of dust crossing property lines, though the Jefferson County Department of Health found no airborne hazardous materials or pollutants.

Dust violations were recorded in 2021, resulting in a notice issued to the previous operators, McCabe Industrial Minerals Inc., which ran the facility until June 2022.
Despite the absence of hazardous findings, the presence of dust has fostered a sense of unease among residents regarding their health and safety.

Policy and Regulatory Context

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) confirmed that the plant is closed following the fire, with no active permit applications recorded for the site. This lack of future operational plans has heightened community worries about potential resumption of activities, particularly with Dunn Construction reclaiming ownership of the site with uncertain plans for its future use.

City leaders are responding to residents’ concerns; Birmingham City Council President Pro-Tem Wardine Alexander is collaborating with the health department to address issues stemming from the site. Additionally, Mayor Richardson has initiated contact with Dunn Construction to ensure the cleanup is executed promptly and effectively.

Future of the Site and Community Reactions

The reactivation of the site for industrial use raises fundamental questions about local zoning and land-use policies, with residents advocating for strict regulations to prevent future operational disturbances. Many are calling for immediate action on slag removal and caution against any potential reopening of the facility.

Residents have voiced the urgent need for measures that will guarantee their safety and wellbeing.
The implications of local policy decisions regarding industrial sites like this are significant, as they directly impact neighborhood health, community aesthetics, and overall quality of life.

As cleanup operations commence, the community remains vigilant, hoping that the actions taken will result in lasting improvements to their living environment and reassurance about their health.