02/04/2025
Walton County Board of Commissioners
76 N 6th St
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Re: Urgent Opposition to Proposed Asphalt Plant – Request for Transparency & Environmental Review
Dear Walton County Commissioners,
I am writing to formally express my strong opposition—along with that of many deeply concerned Freeport and Hammock Bay residents—regarding the proposed construction of an asphalt plant near our homes, schools, and businesses. This project raises serious environmental, health, and economic concerns, and we are asking for an immediate pause on any decision to move forward until a full, transparent environmental study, traffic analysis, and noise survey can be conducted.
The people of Freeport were blindsided by this project due to the lack of transparency and the last-minute scheduling of a public meeting to hear community concerns. The decision-making process should prioritize the well-being of citizens, yet this has not been the case. We ask that the city and county take a step back and fully assess the long-term consequences before rushing into a decision that will permanently impact our environment and quality of life.
This asphalt plant presents an imminent threat to public health. The chemical particulates released into the air from asphalt production have been linked to respiratory illnesses, neurological disorders, and even cancer, according to the World Health Organization. Children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma will be particularly vulnerable.
Additionally, placing this plant in an environmentally sensitive area will contaminate local waterways through runoff, potentially impacting the Choctawhatchee Bay ecosystem. Toxic substances from asphalt production can seep into the groundwater, affecting drinking water quality and threatening wildlife.
Beyond health and environmental risks, this plant will introduce significant traffic congestion, increased industrial noise, and declining property values. The high-density housing nearby makes this location completely unsuitable for such an operation. Studies show that industrial pollution directly impacts home values and the desirability of residential communities—a burden that local homeowners should not have to bear.
It has also come to our attention that the investment company behind this asphalt plant is the same group that owns Cash & Carry, raising further concerns about profit-driven special interests taking precedence over the well-being of Freeport residents. The citizens of this community deserve leadership that puts people before profit and prioritizes health, safety, and environmental preservation over corporate gain.
Commissioner Dan Curry and fellow Walton County officials, we urge you to pause any further movement on this project until a full environmental study, traffic and noise impact analysis, and proper public discourse take place. This decision is not just about land use—it is about the health of our children, the safety of our homes, and the long-term sustainability of our community.
The people of Freeport and Hammock Bay demand transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. It is time to put the citizens of Freeport first and reject this project before irreversible damage is done.
We appreciate your attention to this critical matter and look forward to a response that prioritizes the well-being of our community.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Haddorff
Freeport, FL 32439
