In 1999, the City of Berkeley held a series of formal discussions relating to the expansion of the Use Permits for Berkeley Asphalt and Ready Mix (now Lehigh Hanson Asphalt)... and to address neighborhood and business claims of nuisance and detriment from the cement and asphalt operations. Video produced by L A Wood
The list of nuisances included toxic airborne chemicals and fugitive emissions from trucks as well as late-night operations and excessive noise. This video segment was recorded January 26, 1999 at the public hearing before the Berkeley City Council. It contains public comments from a collection of Berkeley Asphalt employees, union and consultants including attorney Rena Rickles, Engineer Karen Spinardi, PE, of Spinardi Associates, Fred Cooper of Air Quality Chemist Cooper Environmental, Moraga, CA, and Dave C. Helsen, Engineer at Wilson and Perry Associates Oakland, CA.
	Berkeley Asphalt Nuisance 1999 – Neighbors In 1999, the City of Berkeley held a series of formal discussions relating to the expansion of the Use Permits for Berkeley Asphalt and Ready Mix and to address neighborhood and business claims of nuisance and detriment from the cement and asphalt operations.
The list of nuisances included toxic airborne chemicals and fugitive emissions from trucks as well as late-night operations and excessive noise. This video segment was also recorded by BerkeleyCitizen at a public hearing before the Berkeley City Council on January 26th, 1999. It contains public comments from community members as well as their legal council, Nora Chorover of Communities for a Better Environment.

Our history shows that the City of Berkeley acquiesced in 1999 to the pressure of Berkeley Asphalt's sole defense:  Any operational changes will result in a loss of union jobs. The record also reflects that City Council has failed to move forward to create a baseline for understanding the health impacts of Berkeley Asphalt's emissions on this mixed-use area