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Train cars filled with trash threaten the quality of life of communities through which they pass, Rep. Meng said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) announced Tuesday that she spearheaded an effort to the State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) urging it to give full and fair consideration to communities in Queens that may have their quality of life impacted by Peconic Environmental Services’ proposal for a new solid waste facility, a plan that would export waste through parts of Queens on trains.
“For years, pollution from inadequately containerized rail waste cars has threatened the quality of life and health of the communities it passes through,” Meng wrote in a letter to Susan Ackerman, Regional Permit Administrator for NYSDEC. “Without taking these concerns into account, this project threatens overburdened communities.”
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
“Constituents must be a part of the decision-making process when proposals that may affect their lives are considered,” said Rep. Meng.
“Constituents must be a part of the decision-making process when proposals that may affect their lives are considered,” said Meng. “I encourage the NYSDEC to carefully review this application and consider the needs of the neighborhoods that may be impacted. My constituents’ health and safety must be prioritized.”
Meng said she has been fighting to strengthen the rules governing the waste-by-rail industry since she assumed office in 2013.
“Rail cars carrying construction and demolition waste, the same waste the Medford facility would export, have leaked contaminants and spilled debris into residential neighborhoods in Queens. Aligning with the NYSDEC’s mission statement to ‘conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution,’ I ask that the concerns of these communities be given full and fair consideration when reviewing Peconic Environmental Service’s application,” Meng wrote.
