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On the Need for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet Findings of Fact <br />Bituminous Roadways, Inc. Hot Mix Asphalt Plant Project Conclusions of Law <br />Columbus, Minnesota And Order <br /> <br /> <br /> 8 <br />Air Quality Concerns <br /> <br />42. The Petitioner stated concerns, referencing an opinion letter prepared by Dr. Lynn Hovda, the Chief <br />Commission Veterinarian for the Minnesota Racing Commission, about the health and welfare of <br />horses that live, train, and race at the Running Aces Horsetrack. The Petitioner included this letter in <br />the petition as Appendix B (Attachment 1 to Findings). <br /> <br />43. The Petitioner states concerns that production of hot mix asphalt at the Project location generates <br />toxic chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures like toluene and xylene as well <br />as heavy metals and benzene, which can be carried by wind and inhaled by humans and animals, <br />creating health risks. <br /> <br />44. The Petitioner states concerns that the storage of large volumes of materials used for hot mix <br />asphalt production at the Project location may allow fine dust to be blow toward the Running Aces <br />Horsetrack. <br /> <br />45. The Petitioner states that the heavy truck traffic in and out of the Project location will generate a <br />large volume of dust and debris that will migrate toward the Running Aces Horsetrack, including not <br />only dust kicked up by moving tires, but also fine sand, dust and debris falling off the trucks. The <br />Petitioner notes this sort of particulate matter can cause very severe respiratory illnesses in horses, <br />particularly when the horses are racing or working out, because horses breathe particularly large <br />volumes of air under high pressure, such as while running. <br /> <br />46. The Petitioner also states concerns about impacts of truck exhaust on the horses at the Running <br />Aces Horsetrack. <br /> <br />47. The Project is proposed on a site that is approximately 1.8 miles south of the Running Aces Casino <br />and Racetrack. <br /> <br />Air Quality – Air Emissions <br /> <br />48. After Project construction is complete, the Project will be a non-major source for Clean Air Act Title <br />V (Part 70), which means that emissions of all regulated pollutants are limited to less than 100 tons <br />per year each, emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are limited to less than 25 tons per year <br />combined, and less than 10 tons per year of each individual HAP. See below table for Title V Permit <br />and State Air Permit Thresholds.