ce of coughing phlegm, wheezing, sore throat and eye irritation among the population. Another study found more cases of diagnosed emphysema, sinus trouble, and bronchitis cough in populations that are living downwind of a hazardous waste incinerator. (citation here). In extreme cases, a 1989 British study reported a marked concentration of larynx cancer cases among the population who were within 2 kilometers of a commercial hazardous waste incinerator. (Travis, 1989).An average citizen with just the slightest bit of common sense would know that with any amount of pollutants in the air, there would be a chance of developing mild to severe symptoms not to mention a chronic respiratory disease that may affect them for a lifetime. Although one would think that the Pueblo Economic Development Corp. had something to do with Rio Grandes interest in building here, they in fact did not. PEDCos President, Jim Spaccamonti, has stated that the only information given to Rio Grande was how to go about applying for permits through the state of Colorado. He clearly wanted all people to know that no incentives were ever offered to the plant to build in the Pueblo County.In hopes of making the plant more appealing to the citizens, Rio Grande has offered some solutions to keep the peace, which include employing about 80-85 workers at competitive wages plus benefits (citation here). These jobs however would be skilled positions, so no one will know for sure who would fill the positions until its already too late. Also, Rio Grandes cement plant would control dust through the process of either water misting or by dust-collecting systems in the various buildings. Also, Rio Grande is promising an enclosed, dry process to make cement, however, many people are still not satisfied with the fact that the company still plans to burn coal as its primary source of fuel, with natural gas only listed as an alternative. Some say if the plant were to use natural...
