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Residents press Perry council on logging-truck traffic and dust from Interfor mill; city says company receptive
Summary
Residents told the council that heavy logging trucks and fugitive dust from the Interfor mill are causing safety and quality-of-life problems. City staff said they met with Interfor, the company indicated willingness to increase dust-reduction measures, and staff proposed posting truck restrictions and working with GPS providers to re-route heavy trucks.
Two Perry residents urged the City Council on Wednesday to act on rising truck traffic and dust generated by activity at the Interfor mill.
"A good percentage of the traffic and not just logging trucks have no concept of a speed limit on that road," resident Jim Lay told the council, asking whether a turning lane and signage would be provided at the new Creekwood Park entrance and stressing safety concerns on nearby streets.
City Manager Mr. Smith recapped recent staff efforts and meetings with Interfor managers. "They are operating under an air quality permit with EPA... they claim that they are within their parameters as it relates to particulate matter," Mr. Smith said, adding that the company told staff it would ramp up dust-reduction measures including increased watering.
Why it matters: Residents described travel and safety risks from large trucks using neighborhood streets and said dust and potholes make conditions worse. Staff said the city lacks authority over some state rights-of-way but is pursuing a multi-pronged approach to reduce impacts.
What officials said they will do: Mr. Smith told council that staff discussed several steps with the company and law enforcement, including educating independent logging contractors, posting local roads as restricted to trucks with 10 wheels or more, enforcing posted restrictions, and working with GDOT and GPS data providers so routing avoids roads unsuited for heavy trucks. "They are willing to work with us as it relates to showing them the best routes to and from the facility," Mr. Smith said.
Residents also urged enforcement. Robert Russell suggested speed limits and more consistent watering to cut dust, saying the area had "potholes" and heavy dust that makes traffic dangerous.
Council response and next steps: Council members acknowledged the complaint and asked staff to continue communications with Interfor and pursue signage, posting and enforcement options. Staff said Interfor would provide contractor contact lists to improve outreach and that some route posting would require cooperation with GDOT and enforcement by local police.
The council did not adopt a new ordinance at the meeting but directed staff to pursue the measures discussed and report back with options that would balance commercial traffic needs and neighborhood safety.
