Health concerns fuel battle against quarry in Belle Mina [Video]

BELLE MINA, Ala. — Health concerns are driving a growing fight in the Belle Mina community to stop the development of a proposed rock quarry. Residents are determined to prevent the project, citing potential risks to the health and well-being of children and the elderly in the area.

“Studies have shown that children who grow up near quarries by the time they turn 18, have a smaller lung size than children who are not near quarries. The other population at risk is the elderly. There is a decreased life expectancy among the elderly who live near quarries,” said Dr. Janice Thornton-Manning, a pulmonary toxicologist.

These health risks have prompted residents to fight “tooth and nail” to stop the quarry from being built. With construction plans moving forward and several previous attempts to halt the development having failed, Belle …