BENSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - Concerns are rising once again among Benson residents regarding a proposed aluminum processing plant. They fear it will negatively impact air quality and water usage in the area.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) held a public hearing tonight in Benson on the proposed plant. More than 250 residents attended, and a protest took place before the meeting began.

The proposed 174,000-square-foot processing plant would cover 200 acres.

According to the Aluminum Dynamics permit application to ADEQ, over 40 tons of particulate, a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets, will be emitted into local air from the proposed aluminum processing plant.

Officials said the proposed plant will also release hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from four 100-foot e

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