Meng Calls On NYSDEC To Give Queens Communities Fair Consideration Regarding Rail Waste Services
Congresswoman spearheads letter to the agency
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she spearheaded an effort to the New York 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.
The Congresswoman has been fighting to strengthen the rules governing the waste-by-rail industry since she was elected to Congress.
"Constituents must be a part of the decision-making process when proposals that may affect their lives are considered," said Congresswoman 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."
Previously, the Congresswoman introduced similar pieces of legislation that aim to protect communities from debris and waste from passing trains.
A copy of the letter that Meng sent to the NYSDEC can be viewed here, and the text is below.
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Susan Ackerman,
Regional Permit Administrator
NYDSEC Region One
SUNY Stony Brook
50 Circle Road
Stony Brook, New York 11790
Dear Ms. Ackerman,
I write to express my concerns regarding Peconic Environmental Service's application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to operate a new solid waste facility in Medford, New York. The new facility would export roughly half a million tons of solid waste annually through parts of my Sixth Congressional District via rail. For years, pollution from inadequately containerized rail waste cars has threatened the quality of life and health of the communities it passes through. Without taking these concerns into account, this project threatens overburdened communities.
Since joining Congress in 2012, I have been fighting to strengthen the rules governing the rail-by-waste industry that has been a detriment to communities in Queens. 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.
I encourage all involved parties, including NYSDEC, elected officials, and members of the affected communities, to ensure the best outcome for New Yorkers' health, environment, and quality of life . I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
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