Comment EI-16960
Received or sent (printed as 4/6/2009)
I am writing to express my deep concern over the proposed demolition of the embankment. Aside from the obvious stresses it will place on a fragile historic neighborhood I am alarmed at the lack of consideration toward the environmental impact of this project. It was not until the modern era that a better understanding of the hazardous nature of those substances prompted guidelines for their safe handling. During at least the first half of the structure's nearly 100 year history little regard was given to the environmental effects of the chemicals being transported and used for railway maintenance. Consequently it is very likely some of those materials spilled, leaked or were intentionally dumped within the rail right of way. In its present state there is little cause for safety concerns. But disturbing the contents of the embankment will expose residents and passers-by to those pollutants. Residents have a right to know the environmental risks are associated with exposure to those particulates therefore it is imperative that independent soils and air quality tests be conducted prior to granting approval to demolish the structure. It is my hope that the embankment be allowed to remain in its currrent state or re-purposed to better serve the entire community, not just the interests of a developer. But if this proposal is approved continuous air quality tests will be essential.
Submitted by: Michael Ortalano · 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-16960 · back to the docket sheet