Environmental activist groups have joined forces in an attempt to have a roofing plant that has been in operation for the last 75 years relocated out of the area. A neighborhood meeting will be held on Thursday to this end.
The environmental advocacy group Downwinders at Risk has partnered with Singleton United, an assembly of neighbors, to force a GAF shingle plant to relocate.
The shingle plant has been part of the community since 1946 when it was operated by Ruberoid Co. Businessman Samuel Heyman won a proxy battle for GAF in the 1980s, and today it is one of the industrial manufacturing companies under Standard Industries.
The groups claim that the plant’s emissions have contributed to a long list of health problems, from throat cancer to breathing difficulties. The odors connected with shingle production have allegedly also impacted their quality of life, according to Singleton United.
Additionally, the neighborhood’s mixed-use zoning has made it harder for residents to obtain home renovation grants and loans, which has led to many families leaving the area, the group stated. Areas zoned for mixed-use allow the construction of residential housing and industrial or manufacturing buildings.
Still, a spokesperson with GAF told D Magazine, “GAF takes compliance very seriously, complying with requirements in the facility’s Federal Operating Permit, underlying construction authorizations, and applicable state/federal air regulations,” in response to Singleton United’s claims.
GAF added that its pollution controls are the best under its permit, claiming the company “meets the higher standard, Maximum Achievable Control Technology, for its pollution controls.”
Janie Cisneros, the organizer of Singleton United, expressed her confidence that the Dallas City Council would submit the group’s request to the Board of Adjustments, which would then hold a public hearing to decide if the facility should continue to be located at its long-standing address.
In their report to the Board of Adjustments, the groups cite zoning, health, and quality of life challenges as reasons why they think the City should order the plant to relocate away from the residents.
The board could declare the plant to be a nonconforming use of the property, which would mean the plant may be required to leave the neighborhood. This is a process known as amortization.
“We think the report we’ve compiled overwhelmingly shows there is adverse impact based on resident testimony as well as air monitoring,” said Evelyn Mayo with Downwinders At Risk.
City Councilman Omar Narvaez told NBC DFW last Tuesday of his support for the residents’ objective of removing the GAF factory.
“We are meeting later this month (June 30) to go over the processes available and decide how to move forward,” said Narvaez. “I am proud of the work we have done so far and will use every measure available to achieve this goal with both organizations for the greater West Dallas Community.”
In a statement to The Dallas Express, a GAF spokesperson said:
“For the last 75 years, GAF has been a responsible part of the growth and evolution of West Dallas, and we are supportive of maximizing the potential of the community.
“Understanding there are various possible paths forward, we are eager to work with the community and the city to find the right solution for the community, our employees, and the thousands of homeowners in Texas and the region who rely on our products every year.
“The best way to ensure we arrive at a positive solution that meets the needs of all parties is for everyone to participate in this important conversation.”