More than 70 people arrived by bus and carloads, overwhelming the tiny board room of the Alameda County Waste Management and Recycling Board.

Some of the speakers at Wednesday's meeting were not old enough to drive, let alone vote. But they were angry about the outdoor composting facility proposed for Andrade Road off Interstate 680. The plant would sit on 40 acres and at full capacity would take in 1.2 million pounds daily of green and food waste, construction debris and paper products.

The county would spend $5.5 million to help Materials Recovery Inc. start the facility.

Students told board members -- who will ultimately have to decide whether to recommend the county move forward on the project -- that the facility would be less than two miles from Sunol Glen School, which they attend. Student Corbin Kuntze said it would create noise and smells that would distract students from class and affect his fellow students with asthma.

"I lived my whole life in Sunol," said the 13-year-old. "I feel really strongly about this"

The teens were among doctors, environmentalist and others who spoke against the project. They cited potential health, traffic and environmental problems.

Plans for the facility were not on the board's agenda Wednesday night. Board members did not comment on the proposal, but thanked residents for coming.

Speakers aired their concerns during an open comment period. Their comments will be addressed in the project's final environmental review.

Some of those who spoke cried as they talked about how their family members could be affected by the smell and the pollutants released by the proposed facility. The initial environmental report claims 52 tons of ammonia a year will be released into the air as a result of the operation.

Others lamented that they live too close to the facility and said Alameda County never consulted them. They said early environmental reviews did not discuss the facility's potential impact on residents.

"We are facing the destruction of our retirement dream," said resident Mary Peters, who lives within a half a mile of the site.

Having such a facility in Alameda County would help ensure a long-term commitment to meet voter-mandated recycling goals of 75 percent by 2010.

While residents said they believe composting is good and the diversion goal is admirable, the location is too close to homes and a school. They also said they worry the composting smell would spread to Livermore, Fremont and Pleasanton.

"This facility, built in this location will be an environmental disaster and the people of Sunol, our children and nearby communities will ultimately pay the price for your mistake," said Sunol resident Mike Pine.

A final environmental report, which will include the comments and answer questions, will be released this spring.