Southern West Virginia Asphalt Seeks Air Permit for Welch Asphalt Plant

Southern West Virginia Asphalt, Inc. has filed for a General Permit G-20 with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality to operate a hot mix asphalt plant on Indian Ridge Drive in Welch. The company estimates the facility would begin operations on or about Feb. 10, 2026, and the application lists detailed annual emissions that matter to public health and local planning.

The permit application cites a potential to emit 40.87 tons per year (tpy) of particulate matter (PM), including 28.61 tpy of fugitive PM. That means roughly 70 percent of the particulate emissions would be fugitive dust from handling, storage, and transfer of aggregate. PM10 emissions are listed at 12.27 tpy with 8.45 tpy fugitive, and PM2.5 at 1.78 tpy with 0.86 tpy fugitive. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are estimated at 9.76 tpy, carbon monoxide at 14.28 tpy, nitrogen oxides at 6.64 tpy, and sulfur dioxide at 5.81 tpy. The application also lists hazardous air pollutants including total HAPs of 1.15 tpy, with formaldehyde at 0.35 tpy, acetaldehyde at 0.13 tpy, benzene at 0.04 tpy, toluene at 0.30 tpy, ethylbenzene at 0.02 tpy and xylenes at 0.04 tpy.

For residents, the numbers highlight two cleavages: localized dust and odors tied to fugitive emissions, and smaller yet regulated releases of VOCs and HAPs. Fine particulates like PM2.5 are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular risks, while VOCs and HAPs are subject to state and federal air regulations because of health concerns. The application gives coordinates for the site as latitude 37.48057 N and longitude -81.56066.

Economically, an asphalt plant can support local roadwork, contract crews, and nearby construction projects, potentially providing steady demand for aggregate and paving services as McDowell County maintains rural roads. Market implications extend to regional contractors and public works budgets that rely on local suppliers to limit hauling costs. At the same time, neighbors and elected officials will weigh these benefits against air quality and traffic impacts from plant operations.

The public comment process is now open for at least 30 calendar days from the notice publication. Written comments may be sent to West Virginia DEP, Division of Air Quality, 601 57th Street, Charleston, WV 25304 or emailed to [email protected]. Questions can be directed to the DAQ at (304) 926-0499, Extension 41281 during normal business hours. The applicant is Southern West Virginia Asphalt, Inc., Chet Rodabaugh, President, 2950 Charles Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.

What comes next is regulatory review and a window for local input. If the permit is approved and the plant starts in February as planned, residents will want to monitor air quality and municipal planning to ensure the economic benefits do not come at the expense of public health.