On May 5, Lakeside Industries received notification that appeals were filed against its recently approved asphalt facility between Renton and Maple Valley.

On April 14th, King County issued the permits necessary for the relocation of Lakeside’s Covington asphalt facility to the industrial-zoned property along the five-lane highway SR-169.

Many community members and advocacy groups have protested the site of the proposed asphalt plant, due to its close proximity to the Cedar River – to which it is just across the street.

“We recognize there are community concerns regarding the environmental impacts of the relocated facility, but much of what we’ve heard is misinformation. Our new operation will drastically improve the conditions of the property and stormwater quality.” said Karen Deal, environmental and land use director at Lakeside.” We have made significant investments in the leading technology and in our land use planning to ensure continued protection of the Cedar River. As the County noted, our plans go above and beyond what is required, and that’s something we’re proud of.”

According to Lakeside, the property was operated as a heavy industrial site by its previous owners for more than 100 years. When Lakeside purchased the property, the company committed to rehabilitating the land that had been contaminated and degraded from the former owners’ activity.

As part of the operation and an ongoing commitment to the environment, Lakeside said they will capture, treat, and infiltrate all stormwater, thus claiming to be able to improve the conditions adjacent to the Cedar River. Lakeside said they will also restore and expand the critical area buffers on the property.

The industrial company touted a note in the County’s environmental determination, reading: “the restoration of buffers for wetlands and streams proposed by [Lakeside] is far beyond Code requirements.”

Lakeside said they will work with the County on defending the permits for the property.