Hudson residents will have an opportunity next week to weigh in on Brox Industries’ plans to increase asphalt production at its Greeley Street facility, as the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services prepares to review a temporary air permit for the company.
The NHDES Air Resources Division has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. in the Board of Selectmen Meeting Room at Hudson Town Hall, 12 School Street.
The hearing follows a request submitted to the state in response to a July 26 public notice regarding the proposed permit for Brox Industries, located at 85 Greeley St.
According to the state’s notice, the department’s director granted the hearing request and will consider written public comments before making a final decision on the permit.
The proposed expansion has raised concerns among nearby residents about potential effects on air quality, noise, traffic and quality of life. In a letter urging neighbors to attend the hearing, one resident said doubling asphalt production could lead to increased emissions, more heavy truck traffic and additional blasting that could cause vibrations in nearby homes.
The resident also cited concerns about particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, asphalt fumes and hazardous air pollutants associated with asphalt production.
Those concerns reflect residents’ objections to the proposed increase; the state’s hearing notice does not make findings about the extent of any potential impacts.
Brox announced plans for the plant upgrade in an Aug. 27 company notice, stating that its Hudson asphalt plant would close for the season on Friday, Oct. 30, in preparation for construction of a new batch plant.
The company said the new facility is scheduled to be fully operational by early April 2027 and will double the Hudson plant’s production capacity.
The company also cited planned crusher upgrades as part of the improvements, saying the changes would increase the facility’s production capabilities.
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the draft permit and submit comments to state officials.
Written comments must be received by the NHDES director no later than Wednesday, Nov. 11, to be considered in the final decision.
The application and draft permit are available through the NHDES OneStop online database under DES Interest ID 3301100159. Residents may also review the documents by appointment at the Air Resources Division office, 29 Hazen Drive in Concord, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For additional information about the permit or hearing, contact the NHDES Air Resources Division at (603) 271-1370. Questions about special accommodations for the hearing may be directed to Kat Abdelwahid at (603) 271-6802.
The Nov. 4 hearing will be held at Hudson Town Hall, 12 School Street, Hudson.