In the interest of protecting public and environmental health, pass the proposed resolution by Councilman Smigiel to reduce the coal dust coming into the neighborhoods surrounding Norfolk Southern's Lambert's Point coal terminal operations.
Why is this important?
Annually, over 90,000 lbs of fugitive coal dust from Norfolk Southern's coal terminal operations rains down on the people and property in the surrounding neighborhoods of Lambert's Point, West Ghent, Larchmont and points beyond. Coal dust contains arsenic, mercury and other heavy metals, which have been linked to neuro-developmental delays in children, lung cancer, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis, asthma attacks, heart disease and premature death. Taking the reasonable measures of covering the dumpers, the conveyors and the coal cars could significantly reduce the volume of coal dust released into the air and the river water.
