jmg@houxk.UUCP (08/09/83)
Concerning the exchange on the net with respect to liberty and the right to breathe, I would like to take this question out of the abstract and into the real world by means of a letter I wrote to my congressman: August 8, 1983 Congressman Frank Guarini: I am writing as a member of BOATS (Bayonne Organizations Against Toxic Sites) but I know that I express the views of many other organizations in northeastern New Jersey and a vast number of unaffiliated individual citizens in the area. Thank you for your prompt attention to our request for your participation at the hearing of the toxic waste siting commission. Since the announcement by the At-Sea Corporation of their intention to locate a major toxic waste storage facility in Port Newark, the people of this area have experienced both rage and terror. They are enraged at the unparallel- ed arrogance of the officials of the At-Sea Corporation who have stated that no matter what area residents say, think or do, the At-Sea Corporation will build its facility at Port Newark. They are justifiably terrified of the probable mass disaster that would follow an accident at such a facility. In an ABC Closeup report* entitled "Water - A Clear and Present Danger" which was broadcast on Friday, August 5, 1983 medical and toxic waste experts listed some of the health problems caused by toxic materials as follows: birth defects cancer genetic damage kidney failure leukemia liver failure lung damage or collapsed lungs nervous system failure sterility death The people of this area cannot understand how any sane person could seriously consider placing a toxic waste facility in Port Newark which is located in the center of the most populated area of one of the most densely populated states. As if this were not enough, there are two more perverse twists to this situation. 1. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard have declared Newark Bay to be the most dangerous waterway in America - the very same route which At-Sea Corporation's ships would use to carry toxic waste to sea. 2. Also, this toxic site is located at the end of the glide path of aircraft entering Newark Airport. Day in and day out aircraft would be passing over this site just before touching down at Newark Airport which is about 100 feet away. Representatives of the Airline Pilots Association and the Air Transport Association have expressed cocern for airport personnel, airlines personnel and air travelers. Furthermore, they and we are concerned about the disasterous effects of a possible air crash on this site. Our fire department officials have stated that a toxic cloud could be carried up to six (6) miles from this site (as far as lower Manhattan). A simple calculation shows that a 30 MPH wind would carry a toxic cloud to Bayonne or Jersey City in two (2) minutes and to New York City in twelve (12) minutes. Therefore, we request your aid in obtaining the cooperation of the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection to restore some sanity to this situation. I am certain that the people of this area will remember and appreciate your efforts in this matter. Sincere thanks, * I will forward a transcript of the above mentined report as soon as I receive it from the publisher.