Comment EI-17073
Received or sent (printed as 4/6/2009)
I want a full environmental study of the entire Harsimus Branch. As a resident of this area for the last 8 years, I have no doubt that any action to remove the Embankment structure would have serious and wide reaching consequences and it is imperative that the community and the decision makers have as much information as possible before any action is taken. It is my opinion that the trees and plants which grow on the embankment offers a great help in combating the often overpowering haze of smog which settles around the entrance of the Holland Tunnel. This is especially true with the thousands of vehicles that are often stuck in traffic with the engines idling. The embankment is a scant 1/8 of a mile from the entrance to the tunnel entrance and without this greenery I have no doubt that there would be subsequent air quality issues. In addition, I have observed the wildlife that have made the embankment their habitat. These include possums as well as a huge number of birds, both local and migratory. Again, any disturbance to this area could have a long lasting impact to this area. Lastly, any study must take into consideration the essential role that the Embankment plays in the drainage of rainfall and water runoff. The Harsimus Cove historic district, where the Embankment sits does not have an adequate sewer system, and as such, the Embankment filters thousands of gallons of water. Again, there should be complete information before there is any action taken which could affect this area and the possibility of flooding.
Submitted by: Anne-Marie Wright · 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-17073 · back to the docket sheet