OVERVIEW:

This petition calls for immediate action to address the severe noise pollution caused by the 7, N, and W (7NW) subway lines in Queens, New York (NY), with specific reference to escalating noise pollution at the Queensboro Plaza Station in Long Island City (LIC). 

This issue, marked by noise levels far exceeding safe hearing thresholds, negatively affects the health and quality of life of our community. Through this petition, we highlight the urgency of the situation, underscored by the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high decibel levels as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the legal implications of failing to address this environmental hazard.

We propose a comprehensive, community-backed solution involving the immediate implementation of a track lubrication program and the formation of a Community Monitoring Group to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
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PETITION:

TO: Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner, New York City Department of Transportation, The New York City Transit Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

CC: Office of the Mayor of New York City, New York City Council, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Borough President - Queens Donovan Richards, Jr., Commissioner Tom Foley Department of Design and Construction, Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, Council Member Julie Won

SUBJECT: Urgent Action Required: Health Hazards from Above Ground Subway Noise Pollution

FROM: The Community of Queensboro Plaza, Queens Residents, Commuters, Businesses, and Supporters

We the undersigned, come together to address a pressing health and environmental issue: the excessive noise pollution produced by the subway line, specifically by the 7, N and W above ground subway lines, and as such, petition the MTA, supported by the New York City Council, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Problem:

The “screech”, particularly severe around areas where the tracks curves and where there's added water runoff, has been a longstanding issue, with levels often surpassing the recommended community noise limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Specific locations like Queensboro Plaza in Long Island City (Queens, NY) have become one of the many epicenters of the broader issue, where Queens Residents and Commuters are in proximity to the 7, N, and W (7NW), and endure daily noise levels that significantly impacted their quality of life and overall well-being.

The Solution: 

Implementing a comprehensive track lubrication and maintenance program has been proven to reduce noise emissions effectively. Past initiatives by the MTA demonstrate the success of such measures, yet consistent application along the 7NW has been lacking. Track lubrication has been proven to significantly reduce the metal-on-metal screeching that contributes to the excessive noise. It is a solution that is both cost-effective and previously implemented by the MTA, indicating feasibility and effectiveness. 

Why Now:

Health and Environmental Impact: Studies and reports from reputable organizations, including the CDC and OSHA, have highlighted the risks associated with prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dB) including hearing loss and stress-related illnesses, with immediate harm possible at levels exceeding 120 dB,  underscoring the urgency for immediate action. 

Irreversible Effects on Children: Exposure to loud noise can have significant impacts on children's health. According to the CDC exposure to high levels of noise, especially over prolonged periods, can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sound to the brain, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes it can interfere with their sleep, impair their academic performance, and increase their levels of stress and anxiety.

Legal Implications: Prolonged inaction and failure to address noise pollution may constitute a violation of environmental standards and public health regulations. Entities responsible for managing the 7NW subway lines must adhere to legal obligations to mitigate noise levels and protect community well-being. The continued excess noise violates local and federal environmental and occupational health regulations. The situation at Queensboro Plaza and along the above ground 7NW subway lines in Queens demands immediate compliance efforts to align with standards set by OSHA and environmental laws.

Our Specific Requests:

Launch an Immediate Track Lubrication Program: Targeting key noise pollution sources along the 7NW subway lines, with transparent schedules and reporting. A focused, immediate start to a continuous track lubrication program, particularly at critical points like Queensboro Plaza, is essential. This initiative is not only feasible, given the MTA's previous implementations (see references) but is also a necessary investment in the health and satisfaction of the community.

Form a Community Monitoring Group: Including residents, MTA officials, and experts, to oversee program effectiveness and foster open communication.

Legal Compliance and Responsibility: Acknowledge the legal implications of ongoing noise pollution and commit to upholding environmental and public health standards.

Community-Driven Documentation: We call upon residents to actively use sound measurement tools to document noise levels, creating a robust dataset to underscore our demands for action.

IN CLOSING: 

Given the prolonged suffering of residents and the clear availability of solutions, we urge the MTA and New York City Transit to prioritize this issue immediately.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and for your dedication to improving the lives of your constituents.

Sincerely,

The Community of Queensboro Plaza, Queens Residents, Commuters, and Supporters

REFERENCES:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). What noises cause hearing loss? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Loud Noise Can Cause Hearing Loss"
3. World Health Organization (WHO), "Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region"
4. Signia. (n.d.). How much noise is safe? Retrieved from https://www.signia.net/en-gb/hearing/how-much-noise-is-safe/
5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Occupational noise exposure. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/noise
6. HearUSA. (n.d.). Decibel levels - What noise level is safe? Retrieved from https://www.hearusa.com/hearing-loss/causes/decibels/
7. New York City Department of Environmental Protection. (n.d.). Transit noise study. Retrieved from https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/air/noise/transit-noise-study.pdf?ref=bklyner.com
8. Metropolitan Transportation Authority. (n.d.). [Document 108056]. Retrieved from https://new.mta.info/document/10805
9. Hearing Health Foundation. (n.d.). Subway noise & hearing loss. Retrieved from https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/subway
10. Metropolitan Transportation Authority. (n.d.). [Document 91471]. Retrieved from https://new.mta.info/document/91471

Signees: How You Can Help Further

Document Noise Levels: Use the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app to record noise levels, contributing valuable data to our collective advocacy efforts.

Spread the Word: Share this petition and encourage others to document noise pollution, amplifying our call for change.

Engage with Decision-Makers: Contact local representatives and the MTA to voice your concerns, supported by documented evidence from our community.

How We Can Help You: Noise Reduction Products (Tested/Reviewed)

For Children

PandaEar Baby Ear Protection https://amzn.to/3VDWZZd

Snug Kids Ear Protection https://amzn.to/45kQQ7r

Baby Ear Protection for Babies and Toddlers up to 36 Months https://amzn.to/3RtgtNJ

Filtered Earplugs https://amzn.to/4ehIxgS

Soundproofing (Indoor)

Silicone Door Weather Stripping Door Seal Strip https://amzn.to/3KuSDNO

Large Acoustic Panels https://amzn.to/4co6b9V

BXI Sound Absorber https://amzn.to/45dXkVU

Holikme Door Draft Stopper Under Door Draft Blocker Insulator  https://amzn.to/4bKz00a

Gaffer Power Transparent Duct Tape https://amzn.to/3z6Nc4Z

Foam Insulation Tape https://amzn.to/45kQuxD

Soundproofing (Outdoor)

Clear Tarps Heavy Duty PVC Vinyl https://amzn.to/3yOh8mt

Natural Bamboo Fencing Decorative Rolled Fence Panel https://amzn.to/3yQN09Z

Headphones and Earmuffs (Noise Cancellation & Masking)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones https://amzn.to/3XdamAH 

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones https://amzn.to/4c8Acdn

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II https://amzn.to/4aQugEZ 

JLab Epic Air Sport ANC True Wireless Bluetooth 5 Earbuds https://amzn.to/3yOngLn

Decibullz - Custom Molded Earplugs https://amzn.to/3VDTqCU

Loop Experience Equinox Earplugs https://amzn.to/3yJlf33

Soundcore by Anker, Sleep A10 Bluetooth Sleep Earbuds https://amzn.to/4e8c9wX

Banded Earplugs https://amzn.to/3yREHL6

Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/4emLuNo

For Dogs

Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection https://amzn.to/3xmDbAb

The Original Calming Band https://amzn.to/4aVhAwt

Dog Earmuffs For Hearing Protection https://amzn.to/4aVhEwd

Noise Machines

Magicteam Sleep Sound White Noise Machine https://amzn.to/4e7oSjw

LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Machine https://amzn.to/3xaA6Dr

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Join the Movement on Instagram! @LubeTheTracks

Questions? Email LubeTheTracks@Gmail.com