Dear Editor:
Following is a copy of a letter sent to Thomas Sherman, Assistant Director, NJ Dept. Of Environmental Protection, Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste, Office of Permitting & Technical Programs:
Dear Mr. Sherman:
With all due respect to the recycling businesses of the country and the great job most do in assisting in the improvement of the environment. I, with the citizens of Jersey City in mind, cannot give my approval to a solid waste transfer station in such close proximity to our citizens. My decision was based on reasonable doubt as to guaranteeing a foolproof operation of the transfer and handling of the waste.
Staten Island’s Great Kills area came to mind. I understand that the original purpose of this land area was to locate it in a remote area at a safe distance from the residents of the island. The concept was good, but population sprawl soon reached the surrounding area. The logical action was to shut down the area. I realize that the proposal for Jersey City does not involve a garbage disposal area, but the circumstances attached to a waste transfer station seem quite similar with regard to its effect on the surrounding residential areas.
I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of the prevailing winds which could have an undesirable effect with the elements from the facility that are picked up by the air currents. It seems to me that the usual “west to east” weather patterns would carry undesirable particles into the nearby neighborhoods.
I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of a temperature study and its effect on the materials trucked into the facility.
I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of highway sanitation, and of who would be responsible for waste debris, wet and dry, seeping onto our thoroughfares. Are all carrier vehicles 100 percent airtight-sealed? Are the undercarriages and wheels of the carrier vehicles free of debris and pollutants?
I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of pavement deterioration resulting from the increased volume of heavy vehicles. And I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of who would be responsible for road repairs caused by increased trafficking.
I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of the makeup of the industrial waste materials carried to this site. And I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of the point of origin of this industrial waste and what type industries are involved.
I am concerned with consideration to or the lack thereof of an emergency action plan for contingencies that might arise such as fire or explosions and the necessity for neighborhood evacuation?
L. Harvey Smith
Council President