Comment EI-16883
Received or sent (printed as 4/5/2009)
I am writing to request authorization of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the entire Harsimus Branch. I am extremely concerned about the negative impact that abandonment of the property would have upon the local environment and the community at large, as well as the direct effects upon my family. Abandonment would certainly lead to the loss of a natural and cultural resource for the community, while likely creating direct problems for the local population. As a Jersey City resident whose street lies adjacent to the Harsimus Stem Embankment, I am concerned that the habitat destruction resulting from demolition would not simply create a conceptual environmental problem, but could easily create concrete problems, including displacement of a rodent population that could have adverse health and safety effects. Additionally, I am concerned about the pollution that would result from demolition of the property, affecting air quality as well as ground water and nearby waterways. As my 8-year-old daughter is one of many children in the area who already suffers from asthma, this could be profoundly exacerbated by the release of toxins during demolition. Also, without further study, we will not know the full range of contaminants that could be released and their potential public health impact. I believe that a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of abandonment and consequent destruction of the Harsimus Branch is essential in order to mitigate the damage for the community and the environment. Thank you for your consideration.
Submitted by: Cynthia Burns · Jersey City, NJ
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/AB-167/sub/1189X/comment/EI-16883 · back to the docket sheet