Irvine Buys Controversial Asphalt Plant To Convert It Into Open Space

A controversial asphalt plant in Irvine has shut down after the city agreed to purchase the property for $285 million to convert it into a 700-acre open space preserve.

The closure this week of All American Asphalt Plant comes after a long history of complaints from residents, particularly as the land around the property became more developed over the years.

Kevin Lien, who lives in the Eastwood area around three miles away, said odors from the plant have impacted the quality of his life since 2018. He formed a resident group, Stop Toxic Asphalt Emissions in Irvine, with two other residents and has been campaigning to have the city shut down the plant, which opened in 1993.

He said “feelings of frustration” have turned into “feelings of relief and elation” because of the closure.

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“It's ensured the safety and preserved the quality of life that Irvine residents deserve,” Lien said.

All American Asphalt Plant did not respond to a request for comment.

How was life affected

Lien said his family always has home windows sealed shut to prevent the asphalt odors from seeping in. He said he’s also sealed his house with tape and personally invested thousands of dollars in air purifiers.

“We had concerns about our kids participating in sports at Northwood High School, being in Orchard Hills and being pretty close to the asphalt plant,” he said.

That area is home to many recent Chinese immigrants who were unaware of how intrusive the asphalt plant was, he said.

“When we reached out and informed them, they said that when they spoke with the sales people they would minimize the threat posed by this asphalt plant,” Lien said.

Path forward

Given the increasing number of complaints, Irvine City Manager Oliver Chi said it was imperative that the city find a solution.

After the city completes the $285-million purchase, the land will be converted into a 700-acre preserve that will be open to the public and connect to the larger 20,000-acre Northern Open Space Preserve. The open spaces will also connect to Limestone Canyon, Black Star Canyon and the Cleveland National Forest.

As part of the transaction, the city also acquired roughly 80 other acres for additional housing development, the sale of which should cover the cost of the acquisition, Chi said.

Chi said the close of escrow for the plant is expected in early 2024.