{"id":26616,"date":"2025-06-16T08:41:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T13:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/?p=26616"},"modified":"2025-07-01T17:58:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T22:58:52","slug":"estera-asfalto-departamento-de-salud-publica-de-chicago-contaminacion-atmosferica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2025\/06\/16\/mat-asphalt-chicago-department-public-health-air-pollution\/","title":{"rendered":"Investigaci\u00f3n: Contin\u00faan las quejas por el asfalto MAT incluso despu\u00e9s de la instalaci\u00f3n de la tecnolog\u00eda de mitigaci\u00f3n el pasado mes de abril"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e0593bb0a\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>Since new mitigation technology was installed last year, city inspectors have detected odor and smoke emissions from MAT Asphalt in McKinley Park, records show.<\/p>\n<p>Over the last year, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has received more than two dozen air pollution complaints against MAT Asphalt and ticketed the facility for environmental ordinance violations, according to records obtained by Borderless Magazine.<\/p>\n<p>In a handful of instances, inspectors have identified odors escaping from the plant and trucks when loaded with asphalt, a petroleum-based material, according to environmental inspection records.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"templatera_shortcode\">\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e0593d898\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-flex vc_row-o-content-middle small\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone border_color_909090 border_style_solid \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e0593e4dc\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-flex vc_row-o-content-middle large top_margin_20px bottom_margin_20px\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"true\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row-bg-overlay row-bg-layer\" style=\"background: #FFFFFF; background: linear-gradient(90deg,#FFFFFF 0%,#FFFFFF 100%);  opacity: 1; \"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent force-phone-text-align-center inherit_tablet inherit_phone border_top_desktop_1px border_bottom_desktop_1px border_color_FFFFFF border_style_solid \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e0593f08b\" data-midnight=\"\" data-column-margin=\"default\" class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row inner_row vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-flex vc_row-o-content-middle\"  style=\"\"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\"> <div class=\"row-bg\" ><\/div> <\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12_inner col span_12  left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-7 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col child_column no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"   data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<h4 id=\"news-that-puts-power-under-the-spotlight-and-communities-at-the-center\"><strong>News that puts power under the spotlight and communities at the center.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates twice a week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div style=\"margin-top: -20px; \" class=\"vc_col-sm-5 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col child_column neg-marg no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"   data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"wpb_raw_code wpb_raw_html wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_form_1\"><\/div><script src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.bluelena.io\/f\/embed.php?id=1\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>The problems aren\u2019t new. Since the asphalt plant moved into the neighborhood seven years ago, residents have filed over 270 air pollution complaints about the plant to CDPH.<\/p>\n<p>Since starting operations in 2018, MAT Asphalt has also received at least 27 environmental citations, according to data obtained by Borderless. The eight-acre site is across the street from a large park and a short walk from schools and homes.<\/p>\n<p>MAT Asphalt typically operates from April to December.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e05941683\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row article-image\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap center\" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-1245x830.jpg 1245w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_01-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1450px) 75vw, (min-width: 1000px) 85vw, 100vw\" \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">A tractor carries limestone onto conveyor belts at the MAT Asphalt plant on May 22, 2025.<\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Max Herman\/Borderless Magazine<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e05942936\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row article-image\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap center\" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-1245x830.jpg 1245w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_03-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1450px) 75vw, (min-width: 1000px) 85vw, 100vw\" \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">An asphalt delivery truck passes by the conveyor belts and silos inside the MAT Asphalt facility on May 22, 2025.<\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Max Herman\/Borderless Magazine<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e05943788\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>In 2020, McKinley Park residents filed a <a href=\"https:\/\/static1.squarespace.com\/static\/6126ff1e2ea6ef38e4a2622a\/t\/6573834ca914255adc8f4a14\/1702069068216\/01+-+Complaint.pdf\">class action lawsuit<\/a>, alleging that fumes and odors from the facility created a nuisance for neighbors. The company agreed to pay a<a href=\"https:\/\/static1.squarespace.com\/static\/6126ff1e2ea6ef38e4a2622a\/t\/65788964dfff3c1e76ec2862\/1702398308221\/MAT+Ex.+F-+Improvement+Measures.pdf\"> $1.2 million settlement<\/a> and make $900,000 worth of facility upgrades, including installing blue smoke control equipment to capture emissions. The facility upgrades with the blue smoke control device were also required as part of a<a href=\"https:\/\/blockclubchicago.org\/2023\/04\/10\/controversial-mat-asphalt-plant-fined-must-install-stronger-odor-and-pollution-controls-city-says\/\"> separate 2023 settlement<\/a> with CDPH for air pollution citations and dust control violations.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the upgrades, residents have continued to file complaints, and the facility has been cited for environmental violations since May 2024.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI smell strong asphalt odors in my bedroom and my entire home and neighborhood, causing breathing, headaches and nausea,\u201d a resident complained to CDPH in August 2024, according to inspection records obtained by Borderless Magazine.<\/p>\n<p>In response to the complaint, CDPH inspected the site. The inspection records show that an inspector detected a \u201cstrong noxious asphalt odor\u201d near MAT Asphalt that \u201ccaused an immediate physical reaction,\u201d including nose irritation and a headache.<\/p>\n<p>The inspector also noted that the blue smoke control device \u201cdoes not appear to be effectively controlling asphalt odor emissions,\u201d and that MAT Asphalt did not have the required certificate of operation and required air pollution permit to install and operate the device.<\/p>\n<p>In response, CDPH cited MAT Asphalt for violating four environmental regulations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">keeping air pollution emissions within limits set by state and federal law;<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">not causing a nuisance by exposing people to substances that can pose health risks;<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">missing a required certificate of operation, and<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">not having an air pollution control permit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/data.cityofchicago.org\/Environment-Sustainable-Development\/CDPH-Environmental-Inspections\/i9rk-duva\/data_preview\">CPDH\u2019s environmental inspection data<\/a> is available in the city\u2019s data portal; however, the agency no longer includes inspector notes in the data, information that was publicly available earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p>CDPH spokesperson Grace Adams said the agency is reviewing its environmental datasets and making changes, including removing inspection notes, or \u201cnarratives,\u201d pending further data review \u201cto ensure protection of any potential private information.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"fws_69e8e05944352\" data-midnight=\"\" data-column-margin=\"default\" class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row inner_row\"  style=\"\"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\"> <div class=\"row-bg\" ><\/div> <\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12_inner col span_12  left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col child_column no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone border_bottom_desktop_1px border_color_000000 border_style_solid \"   data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_black wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text\" ><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><h4 id=\"read-more-of-our-coverage\">Read More of Our Coverage<\/h4><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-inline-posts\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-inline-posts-container pk-inline-posts-template-list\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-columns=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-25828\" class=\"post-25828 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-environmentandhealth tag-cdphhearing\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-outer\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-overlay pk-overlay-ratio pk-ratio-landscape\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-overlay-background\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2025\/03\/27\/chicago-department-of-public-health-set-to-defend-environmental-justice-efforts-at-committee-hearing\/\" class=\"pk-overlay-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2025_03_27_CDPH_Hearing_Prewrite_Featured-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-pk-thumbnail size-pk-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<header>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"pk-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2025\/03\/27\/chicago-department-of-public-health-set-to-defend-environmental-justice-efforts-at-committee-hearing\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Chicago Department of Public Health Set to Defend Environmental Justice Efforts at Committee Hearing<\/a><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pk-meta-author meta-author\"><span class=\"author vcard\"><a class=\"url fn n\" href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/author\/mauricio-pena\/\" title=\"View all posts by Aydali Campa\">Aydali Campa<\/a><\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sep\">\u00b7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pk-meta-date meta-date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2025\/03\/27\/chicago-department-of-public-health-set-to-defend-environmental-justice-efforts-at-committee-hearing\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">marzo 27, 2025<\/a><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .post-inner -->\n\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .post-outer -->\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>City law states that an air pollution violation typically comes with a fine ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Fines for violating rules requiring a certificate of operation and air control permit range from $250 to $7,500.<\/p>\n<p>The city did not ultimately fine the company for its air pollution citation or for its citation for violating a city rule requiring an air pollution control permit for operating regulated equipment, according to records from the Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings.<\/p>\n<p>The company was only fined by the department $4,500 for violating a city rule requiring a certificate of operation, and $600 for \u201cnuisance in connection with a business\u201d for the August violations.<\/p>\n<p>In a written statement, Adams told Borderless Magazine that CDPH \u201cbears the burden of proof,\u201d and that odors and air pollution can be difficult to prove, especially when invisible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFurther, to prevail at a hearing at DOAH, CDPH must prove that an alleged violation occurred on the date and at the time specified on the notice of violation,\u201d Adams said. \u201cIn this case, CDPH considered the evidence and negotiated an agreement with the respondent to try to achieve the most favorable outcome for the City and the affected community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In April, <a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/2025\/04\/02\/chicago-department-of-public-health-environmental-justice-pollution\/\">CDPH officials said the agency faced capacity issues<\/a> in conducting more environmental inspections. CDPH is the city\u2019s main environmental regulator, granting operating permits, conducting inspections and issuing citations for environmental ordinance violations.<\/p>\n<p>During the hearing, CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige told the City Council\u2019s Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy that the department only had three air inspectors and was looking to fill three vacancies.\u00a0 As of now, the agency has four air inspector positions and two vacant positions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"none\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"1277\" width=\"1920\" data-animation=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-1245x828.jpg 1245w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_02_EnvironmentalCommitteeHearing_DrIge_Extra_03-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1450px) 75vw, (min-width: 1000px) 85vw, 100vw\" \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">During a hearing at City Council in April, CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige told the City Council\u2019s Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy that the department faced capacity issues regarding air inspections.<\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Max Herman\/Borderless Magazine<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>MAT Asphalt plant manager Joseph Haughey defended the facility, pointing to a 2021 analysis requested by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and commissioned by MAT Asphalt. The 800-page study monitored emissions and concentrations of certain compounds from the facility.<\/p>\n<p>He argues that MAT Asphalt is not a chemical plant, does not pose health or environmental threats, and has minimal odors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn a way, the McKinley Park neighborhood is lucky,\u201d Haughey said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"wpb_widgetised_column wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t<div id=\"sidebar\" data-nectar-ss=\"true\" class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div id=\"custom_html-4 1articleright\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html\"><h3 id=\"wordpress-popular-posts\" class=\"widget-title\">WordPress Popular Posts<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h4 id=\"trending-posts\" class=\"widget-title\">Trending Posts<\/h4><div class=\"wpp-shortcode\"><script type=\"application\/json\" data-id=\"wpp-shortcode-inline-js\">{\"title\":\"Trending Posts\",\"limit\":\"3\",\"offset\":0,\"range\":\"custom\",\"time_quantity\":\"124\",\"time_unit\":\"day\",\"freshness\":\"1\",\"order_by\":\"views\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"pid\":\"\",\"exclude\":\"\",\"cat\":\"\",\"taxonomy\":\"category\",\"term_id\":\"\",\"author\":\"\",\"shorten_title\":{\"active\":false,\"length\":0,\"words\":false},\"post-excerpt\":{\"active\":false,\"length\":0,\"keep_format\":false,\"words\":false},\"thumbnail\":{\"active\":true,\"build\":\"predefined\",\"width\":\"240\",\"height\":\"160\"},\"rating\":false,\"stats_tag\":{\"comment_count\":false,\"views\":false,\"author\":false,\"date\":{\"active\":false,\"format\":\"F j, Y\"},\"category\":false,\"taxonomy\":{\"active\":false,\"name\":\"category\"}},\"markup\":{\"custom_html\":true,\"wpp-start\":\"&lt;ul class=&quot;wpp-list wpp-cardview&quot;&gt;\",\"wpp-end\":\"&lt;\\\/ul&gt;\",\"title-start\":\"&lt;h4 class=&quot;widget-title&quot;&gt;\",\"title-end\":\"&lt;\\\/h4&gt;\",\"post-html\":\"&lt;li&gt;{thumb} {title} {stats}&lt;\\\/li&gt;\"},\"theme\":{\"name\":\"\"}}<\/script><div class=\"wpp-shortcode-placeholder\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e05949151\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row article-image\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap center\" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-1245x830.jpg 1245w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_Plant_JoeHaughey_01-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1450px) 75vw, (min-width: 1000px) 85vw, 100vw\" \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">MAT Asphalt Plant Manager Joseph Haughey defends his facility, arguing the site does not pose health or environmental threats.<\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Max Herman\/Borderless Magazine<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e05949f6e\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>MAT Asphalt, he argued, is only emitting a minimal amount of what is permitted, and that another asphalt plant could emit more and still be within legal limits.<\/p>\n<p>Haughey said nothing more can be done to address complaints against MAT Asphalt.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don&#8217;t know what more we can do here,\u201d Haughey said. \u201cWe make asphalt for the city streets. We&#8217;ve gone above and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In May, a Borderless Magazine reporter and photographer toured the asphalt plant with Haughey, who pointed out the measures taken to make the plant more environmentally friendly, including the new blue smoke controls, dust control measures, recycling of reclaimed materials and use of odor retardants. The reporter and photographer smelled mild asphalt odors inside the facility, where trucks were being loaded with asphalt.<\/p>\n<p>Michael Cailas, an associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, has studied the cumulative environmental burdens in the Southwest Side. Cailas, who reviewed the report Haughey referenced, said that while the emissions measures were below the allowable limit, the emissions were studied for only two days.<\/p>\n<p>He said a more accurate analysis would be of the health risk assessment within the community, especially with <a href=\"https:\/\/univofillinois.maps.arcgis.com\/apps\/instant\/nearby\/index.html?appid=486f6e438ecf4b048deebc8dafd9f2c1&amp;sliderDistance=1.1&amp;findSource=0&amp;find=2353%2520S%2520Blue%2520Island%2520Ave%252C%2520Chicago%252C%2520Illinois%252C%252060608\">a concentration of industrial plants in <\/a>Chicago\u2019s Southwest Side.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s not one asphalt plant that might be smelling,\u201d said Cailas. \u201cIt might be the combination of eight that produce the smell.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cailas cautioned that an odor is not a reliable indicator of high levels of pollutants that can cause health effects if exposed. He said there is<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S030438942402627X\"> limited conclusive evidence<\/a> that measures the health risks of these compounds emitted from asphalt plants, so it is unknown whether the concentration of chemicals behind what residents might be smelling is dangerous.<\/p>\n<p>Southwest residents constantly face this uncertainty as they smell unpleasant odors in their communities, which are surrounded by industrial zones, he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy should these communities have this problem?\u201d he said. \u201cOthers don&#8217;t. You see, it&#8217;s a nuisance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Some community members still believe it is unsafe for McKinley Park residents, regardless of whether emissions from the facility are within the required limits.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe do not care if MAT Asphalt is cleaner than other sources of pollution, or if its emissions are less than official limits,\u201d said Anthony Moser, board president of Neighbors For Environmental Justice (N4EJ).\u00a0 \u201cWe deserve clean air. We don&#8217;t know if the stack test is accurate, but we know everything listed in the report is pollution we were not breathing before they opened,\u201d he said in a written statement.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"continued-frustrations\">Continued Frustrations<\/h2>\n<p>Frustrated residents like Moser have continued to file complaints of asphalt odors in their neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>For over two decades, Antonio Ramirez has lived in his McKinley Park home, an eight-minute walk from the asphalt plant. He said he often smells the hot asphalt and can see smoke emitted from the facility when he walks across the park from the plant.<\/p>\n<p>Another resident who asked not to be identified said she can smell it in the mornings when taking her children to the nearby school and sometimes at home when her windows are open.<\/p>\n<p>Brian C., a resident who lives less than half a mile from MAT Asphalt with his wife and two cats, said he has loved living in McKinley Park for 17 years. Now, he sometimes can catch the smell of hot asphalt during his morning walks to the nearby park.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wish it wasn&#8217;t there,\u201d said Brian. \u201cIt would be great if they could [move it].\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"none\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"1277\" width=\"1920\" data-animation=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-1245x828.jpg 1245w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_06_12_MATAsphalt_BrianC_01-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1450px) 75vw, (min-width: 1000px) 85vw, 100vw\" \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">Brian C., a resident who lives less than half a mile from MAT Asphalt with his wife and two cats, says he can sometimes smell the hot asphalt when walking at the nearby park, McKinley Park, the neighborhood&#039;s largest green space.<\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Max Herman\/Borderless Magazine<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e0594b6d4\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>According to complaint records, inspectors have continued to find some complaints valid since the August citations.<\/p>\n<p>About 12 days after the city ticketed MAT Asphalt in August, an inspector responding to a complaint noted in an inspection report that he detected asphalt odors again that caused a headache and irritation in his nose and nose cavity.<\/p>\n<p>The inspector also warned the plant manager, Haughey, about the strong asphalt odors detected, that a citation had already been issued days prior and that \u201cfurther enforcement action will be taken if the air pollution and nuisance odors are not addressed.\u201d According to publicly available CDPH air inspection data, no tickets were issued that day despite the inspector substantiating the complaint.<\/p>\n<p>Haughey declined to discuss the citations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are many reasons a complaint may have been deemed valid but may not result in a citation, such as the complaint not being covered under the Chicago Municipal Code,\u201d said Adams.<\/p>\n<p>CDPH said they are working on standardizing the recording of environmental inspection data, including codes such as \u201ccomplaint valid,\u201d for consistency. This includes training inspectors on best practices when entering data and improving the system software \u201cto provide a more transparent outcome from complaints and inspections.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kate Eakin, managing director of the McKinley Park Development Council, lives near the facility and said not much has changed over the last year. They continue to hear community complaints about the odors. She sees the facility as a hindrance to future developments in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;MAT Asphalt continues to be a significant barrier to housing development in McKinley Park, as well as to revitalization of the historic Central Manufacturing District,\u201d said Eakin.<\/p>\n<p>In 2020, the city denied funding for a mixed-use development with affordable housing due to environmental concerns stemming from MAT Asphalt\u2019s location near the proposed development site, the <a href=\"https:\/\/chicago.suntimes.com\/2020\/8\/28\/21404996\/affordable-housing-mckinley-park-mat-asphalt-pershing-road\">Chicago Sun-Times reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat&#8217;s where all the plants in Chicago are,\u201d said Haughey. \u201cWe are in an industrial zone. We didn&#8217;t change zoning or anything. We&#8217;re on the edge of it, but we&#8217;re in the [Planned Manufacturing District]. Where we&#8217;re at was designed specifically for what we&#8217;re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The asphalt odors can be smelled from within the plant site but not outside, Haughey said. He noted that what residents in the neighborhood might be smelling could be coming from trucks loaded with hot asphalt leaving the facility.<\/p>\n<p>Haughey argued that other plants don\u2019t face nearly as much public scrutiny despite their efforts to address environmental concerns stemming from the plant.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am not a big conservative guy saying, \u2018I&#8217;m here to make money,\u2019\u201d he said, \u201cI&#8217;m very much involved with the environmental thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"community-advocacy\">Community Advocacy<\/h2>\n<p>In 2018, McKinley Park residents founded N4EJ to prevent the plant from opening and remain committed to stopping MAT Asphalt from operating and emitting pollution in the Southwest Side neighborhood, according to Executive Director Alfredo Romo.<\/p>\n<p>Since word spread that MAT Asphalt would move into McKinley Park, the environmental justice group has vigilantly examined the city\u2019s facility regulations and scrutinized its enforcement practices.<\/p>\n<p>N4EJ criticized the city for lax efforts to protect residents from environmental hazards and for contracting with MAT Asphalt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e0594c92a\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row article-image\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap center\" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"1280\" width=\"1920\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-1245x830.jpg 1245w, https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_04_16_CumulativeImpactsOrd_AlfredoRomo_02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1450px) 75vw, (min-width: 1000px) 85vw, 100vw\" \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">Alfredo Romo, executive director of Neighbors for Environmental Justice (N4EJ), has worked to stop MAT Asphalt from operating in McKinley Park since it opened in 2018. <\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Max Herman\/Borderless Magazine<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69e8e0594d6ab\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>\u201cOur objective has always been about shutting them down, and if we&#8217;re not able to shut them down, it&#8217;s also about making sure that we&#8217;re containing their operations as much as possible,\u201d Romo said.<\/p>\n<p>Despite ongoing complaints from residents and infractions by the company, the city awarded MAT Asphalt $141 million in city contracts in 2023 to provide city crews with asphalt for street work on the same day that it settled an agreement with CDPH to pay fines and make improvements to the factory to limit emissions, <a href=\"https:\/\/blockclubchicago.org\/2023\/04\/10\/controversial-mat-asphalt-plant-fined-must-install-stronger-odor-and-pollution-controls-city-says\/\">Block Club Chicago reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>McKinley Park Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th) has been critical of the asphalt plant and the city\u2019s enforcement of air pollution violations by businesses in her ward. In 2017, former McKinley Park Ald. George Cardenas supported the plant coming into the neighborhood with minimal community outreach, sparking outrage when the plan was announced.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we could make it happen, and if this was an easier fix, I would definitely not want that asphalt in the community,\u201d said Ramirez. \u201cIt&#8217;s a horrible location. It affects so many of the residents. It&#8217;s near the park, near the school.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Amid ongoing problems with the site, MAT owner Michael Tadin bought the Damen Silos from the state in 2023. The 23-acre property is an unused grain storage structure 1.3 miles north of the MAT Asphalt in an industrial area of the neighborhood. Tadin previously <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcchicago.com\/news\/local\/damen-silos-owner-michael-tadin-jr-moves-step-closer-toward-demolition\/3627760\/\">told NBC Chicago <\/a>he was unsure what the property would be used for, but doesn\u2019t plan on putting an asphalt plant on the site.<\/p>\n<p>The purchase came after environmental advocates and alderpeople, including Ramirez,<a href=\"https:\/\/chicago.suntimes.com\/2022\/12\/27\/23528364\/damen-silos-sold-community-objections-preservationists-environmentalists\"> pushed for the city<\/a> to acquire the property, seek community feedback on new uses for the area and avoid another heavy industrial facility from coming into the neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>Moser from N4EJ thinks it is difficult to know how the issue of air pollution in the community from MAT Asphalt can be resolved. Given its proximity to schools and homes, it shouldn\u2019t have been there in the first place, he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur whole position here from the beginning has been that there&#8217;s a fundamental problem with operating a mixed asphalt facility across the street from a park,\u201d said Moser. \u201cWhat we want to see is that this facility is shut down because it shouldn&#8217;t have been allowed to open.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><i>Aydali Campa is a Report for America corps member and covers environmental justice and immigrant communities for Borderless Magazine. Send her an email at aydali@borderlessmag.org.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tras cientos de quejas, citaciones, y un acuerdo de demanda colectiva, las notas de los inspectores de la ciudad muestran casos en los que MAT Asphalt segu\u00eda generando y emitiendo \"un fuerte olor nocivo a asfalto.\"<\/p>","protected":false},"author":122,"featured_media":26678,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[325,66,152],"tags":[784],"coauthors":[566],"class_list":{"0":"post-26616","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environmentandhealth","8":"category-investigation","9":"category-organizing","10":"tag-matasphalt"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>MAT Asphalt Installed Pollution Mitigation System Last Year, But Complaints Keep Rolling In &#8211; Borderless Magazine NFP<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"City inspectors found the newly installed mitigation technology was not \u201ceffectively controlling asphalt odor emissions\u201d in August, records show.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2025\/06\/16\/estera-asfalto-departamento-de-salud-publica-de-chicago-contaminacion-atmosferica\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Investigation: MAT Asphalt Complaints Continue Even After Mitigation Technology Installed Last April &#8211; Environment and Health &#8211; Borderless Magazine NFP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Investigation: MAT Asphalt Complaints Continue Even After Mitigation Technology Installed Last April &#8211; Environment and Health &#8211; 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