TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A lack of transparency was at the top of Benson residents’ minds as hundreds voiced their concerns to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality over a 200-acre aluminum recycling plant.

“Essentially, they are saying we know you are going to get a bad neighbor, we just don’t know how bad. We want real numbers,” one resident said during the meeting.

ADEQ held the public hearing as they begin to review an air quality permit for the plant.

The meeting was slated for three hours but only lasted around 90 minutes. Opponents of the project say they are still seeking answers about the actual number of pollutants this plant will emit.

A protest preceded the meeting, with residents saying it was important to show the extent of the Benson community’s concerns.

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