United States: Vallejo blocks plans for new Ecocem plant

An application for planning permission to build a new EUR45m (US$47.5m) grinding mill in Vallejo, California, has been refused by the local government, the Irish Times reports.

Orecem Americas, a subsidiary of Ireland's Ecocem, had put forward the plans to build the plant, but residents had raised concerns that it would lead to an increase in the number of heavy trucks on local roads and would itself generate pollution.

Vallejo's planning commission rejected the application by a six-to-one margin on Monday night.

"I looked at this project and asked myself 'Would I put my mother there?' That answer is no and I cannot support the project," said Commission Chair, Landis Graden.

The company can appeal the decision to Vallejo's city council, but a report issued by its own officials recommended that the planning commission refuse permission.