GORHAM - Gorham asphalt plant Dave Babino moved his family to Gorham 20 years ago, seeking a home that would be safe from industrial pollution. Three of Babino's family members, including his wife and daughter, have cancer, and Babino believes their cancers were caused by pollution.

Now, an asphalt plant and quarry proposed about a mile from the family's home on Longmeadow Drive worries Babino.

"My family is just three of thousands of people each year impacted by these plants, but I can represent how this disease, which is linked to environmental pollution, has impacted me and my family and friends. It's devastating," Babino said this week.

Since Shaw Brothers Construction Inc. of Gorham asked the town for permission last year to build a $10 million asphalt plant and quarry on 125 acres off Mosher Road, the project has been at the center of a fierce debate. Forming a group called the Concerned Citizens of Gorham, opponents have packed planning board and town council meetings. A few opponents ran, unsuccessfully, as it turned out, for town council seats this fall, leading to one of the most competitive elections in years.

As the project enters what may be its final round of approvals, residents on both sides of the debate are preparing to make their case one last time.

The planning board will hold a workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, followed by a site walk at noon Sunday, Nov. 18, beginning at 329 Mosher Road. The planning board will review the project again at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19. Both that meeting and the workshop will be in the Gorham Municipal Center at 75 South St.

Opponents argue the site off Mosher Road is the wrong place for an asphalt plant and quarry, because it's too close to residential areas. They argue the noise, traffic and and potentially hazardous emissions would affect the quality of life of the people who live nearby.

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