A local doctor told a public hearing into a high-density residential development on the outskirts of Murrayville that dust particles from a concrete manufacturing plant are polluting the air.

Dr. Mitchell Fagan charged that no consideration has been given to the potential for health problems for the possibly 1,000 people who will move to the development, should Township council approve the rezoning application.

The public hearing, held on June 20, heard from residents who say that the plan has inadequate parking, is too far from bus stops and public amenities such as a library are not in walking distance.

Sandhill Developments plans to build a mix of 210 duplexes, townhouses, stacked townhouses and apartments for seniors, and another 100 units for the general market.

Fagan, who said he lives approximately one kilometre from the site of the proposed development at 228 Street and 48 Avenue, told council that concrete particles can settle inside homes.

The air quality is a 鈥渉uge issue鈥� and one that he has raised before with the Township. He is still waiting for answers.

The concrete residue is apparently coming from Fraserway Precast, 22765 Fraser Hwy.

Ray Robb, Metro Vancouver regulatory and enforcement division manager, said that his department learned of the problem when the Township passed on residents鈥� concerns in July, 2010.

Metro Vancouver officials inspected the plant later that month 鈥渁nd observed non-compliance with regulations that are  intended to protect air quality from concrete facilities,鈥� Robb said.

In a letter to Fraser Precast in August, 2010, Metro Vancouver spelled out what the non-compliance issues were and were given an assurance that they intended to comply, Robb said.

鈥淭hey have done a few things,鈥� he said. These include paving a lot that was previously covered in gravel, and applying dust compressants.

鈥淭hey have a number of things. They still are not all the way there but they are close,鈥� Robb added.

鈥淭hey have told us that they can get it done in three to four weeks,鈥� he said on June 23.

Township administrator Mark Bakken said that the Township has notified all appropriate government authorities.

鈥淎s we do not have jurisdiction over air quality and streams, creeks and rivers, we are making them aware of the situation,鈥� he said.