Opposition To Pollution Plant Likely To Adversely Affect The Environment In Providence, RI
0 have signed. Let’s get to 1,000!
Neighborhood groups, residents and The Providence Coalition Coalition of Neighborhood Associations in Providence, Rhode Island are opposing the proposed development of a construction and demolition facility on the corner of Allens and Thurbers Avenues that they fear would lead to more pollution in the Providence Port Area.
Providence, Rhode Island faces a public health and environmental justice crisis caused by high levels of air pollution. Research has shown that outdoor air pollutants and toxic dust are well-known and undisputed asthma triggers, and many neighborhoods in Providence, Rhode Island particularly those in low-income areas, are experiencing some of the highest asthma rates in New England. Most affected: CHILDREN.
Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children in Rhode Island, affecting 25,000 individuals, or almost 11% of children in the state. This is the 9th highest prevalence in the nation. The problem is concentrated in Providence, and particularly in low-income neighborhoods of Providence, which are experiencing some of the highest childhood asthma rates in the state and New England.
The facility, being proposed by Allens Providence Recycling LLC, would process and recycle construction and demolition materials, which can include wood, concrete, asphalt, shingles and gypsum drywall, and process and dispose of solid waste.
The proposed facility would be built on nearly four acres of land and would process up to 2,500 tons of materials per day, according to a letter from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Additionally, it would also process between 750 and 1,000 tons of commercial waste per day.
"These types of facilities can release fine particles and chemicals into the air while breaking down materials and processing waste", said Sue Anderbois, chairwoman of the city’s Environmental Sustainability Task Force to the Providence Journal. "They also attract diesel trucks and ships that haul scrap."
“We have concerns about significant amounts of dust getting into homes and the community nearby,” The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) staff attorney Kevin Burdis stated, according to EcoRINews.
Health policy expert, Julian Drix, a member of the city’s Environmental Sustainability Task Force, indicated that the state air monitoring found unhealthy levels of benzine and diesel-fuel emissions, which are carcinogens and linked to respiratory disorders. Neighborhoods close to the Port of Providence experience high emergency room visits for low-income children on Medicaid who suffer from asthma.
Neighborhood residents are concerned that the plant would further pollute an area already considered to be one of the communities most heavily impacted by climate change and environmental degradation in Providence.
In a statement produced by a coalition of 33 organizations and stakeholders (including environmental groups and elected officials), The Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations stated:
"As an organization that advocates for livability for all of our residents, we want to reiterate that the burden of air pollution is on our most-vulnerable community members, including children, the elderly, and often historically disadvantaged populations. We have a moral responsibility to protect our children, grandchildren, and neighbors. It is imperative that historical inequities are not perpetuated by failing to address this in a timely manner. We urge elected officials to pass city and/or state legislation and ordinances to address the cumulative impacts of polluting industry around the Port of Providence."
Together, we are asking our neighbors everywhere, to join us, hand in hand, to help us oppose proposed facilities, the issuance of permits likely to present health risks, as well as worsen pollution and asthma rates in our neighborhoods.
Together, we are asking our neighbors everywhere, to join us, hand in hand, in urging action to improve air quality in the city of Providence and to address the inequitable planning and zoning practices that concentrate pollution where people/families of low-income and communities of color reside.
To get in touch, please email at info@provcna.org or by clicking the link here.
To read more about this issue, please visit:
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20191222/plant-proposed-in-providence-port-faces-opposition
https://upriseri.com/2019-12-09-pvd-climate-justice-plan-support/
Complete your signature
0 have signed. Let’s get to 1,000!