2 groups are warning of highway's health effects

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Oct 29, 2007 | by Nicole Warburton Deseret Morning News

The Sierra Club and Utah Moms for Clean Air are mounting a campaign to warn people about possible harmful health effects from the proposed Mountain View Corridor.

The two groups plan to submit public comments to the Utah Department of Transportation, saying the highway would create health risks, including cancer, asthma and a reduction in lung development in children. Both groups want the state to consider building transit first, before a highway.

"We are going to be mobilizing people in the community that are going to be affected," said Cherise Udell, president and founder of Utah Moms. "We are working with a coalition of groups to build awareness of the health consequences of this interstate."

Marc Heileson, regional representative of the Sierra Club, said at least 20 schools will be within a half-mile of the freeway. He said studies show that pollution concentrates around highways, and children at these schools could be impacted.

The Utah Department of Transportation said it welcomes any comments and concerns from residents about Mountain View. The agency is holding a public comment period on its draft environmental impact statement, or study, for the highway until December 24.

People may comment on the Web at www.udot.utah.gov/mountainview. Or they can e-mail mountainview@utah.gov, or call 1-800-596-2556. Letters may be sent to: Mountain View Corridor, c/o Parsons Brinckerhoff, 488 E. Winchester, Suite 400, Murray, UT 84107.

In addition, the department plans to hold public hearings about the highway:

* Nov. 14: Hunter High School in West Valley City, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

* Nov. 15: Willow Creek Middle School in Lehi, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

* Nov. 17: Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com