Comment EI-17627
Received or sent (printed as 5/4/2009)
It is essential that the STB conduct a full Environmental Impact Study on the Harsimus Cove Embankment in Jersey City. The Embankment covers a major portion of downtown Jersey City and any action of removal or demolition of the Embankment would have significant consequences on the community. The embankment was constructed during a period of civic development when public health was not of the utmost concern. Lead contamination has been detected in the soil surrounding the embankment in at the least the Brunswick Community Garden space located on the western most piece of the Embankment. If there is a significant lead presence in the Embankment any demolition or reconstruction or development of the existing structure could pose a major public health issue. Especially considering the schools and residences immediately adjacent to the blocks long structure. The long-term significant presence of any construction vehicles in the area would enhance this risk as well as add major stress to the roadways, majorly disrupt traffic and pedestrian flow, and the citys sewers and water systems. Other concerns include issues of ecosystem and wildlife migration, flooding, and noise pollution. While those other issues are important. The aforementioned issues of public health related to lead, dust, air quality, and other contaminants are more the just cause to order an EIS. The National Environmental Policy Act requires Federal agencies to prepare EISs for major Federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment." The Embankment should qualify and fall under this statement. Thank you in advance for your time and effort to be thorough regarding the impact any action on the Embankment would have."
Submitted by: Laura Gosa
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-17627 · back to the docket sheet