The Harper Incinerator, located in Buffalo, New York, has left a toxic legacy in its wake. For decades, the incinerator burned waste, releasing harmful pollutants into the air, water, and soil. The environmental impact of the Harper Incinerator has been devastating, affecting not only the surrounding community but also the entire city of Buffalo.
A History of Pollution
The Harper Incinerator was built in the 1950s and began operating in 1958. At the time, it was designed to burn municipal waste, including trash and sewage sludge. However, the incinerator was not equipped with adequate pollution controls, and as a result, it released large quantities of toxic pollutants into the environment. These pollutants included particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Health Effects on the Community
The release of these pollutants has had severe health effects on the community surrounding the Harper Incinerator. Residents in the area have reported higher rates of respiratory problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as increased incidence of cancer and neurological disorders. The incinerator’s emissions have also been linked to birth defects and developmental delays in children.
A study conducted by the New York State Department of Health found that the cancer rate in the area surrounding the Harper Incinerator was significantly higher than the state average. The study also found that the incidence of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD, was higher in the area than in other parts of the city.
Environmental Contamination
The Harper Incinerator has not only affected the health of the community but also contaminated the environment. The incinerator’s ash and emissions have polluted the soil, water, and air, posing a significant threat to local wildlife and ecosystems. The nearby Buffalo River has been contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants, affecting the aquatic life and making it unsafe for recreational activities.
A report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the soil and groundwater in the area surrounding the Harper Incinerator were contaminated with hazardous substances, including lead, mercury, and arsenic. The report also found that the incinerator’s emissions had contributed to the formation of ground-level ozone, a key component of smog.
Efforts to Address the Problem
In recent years, efforts have been made to address the environmental and health impacts of the Harper Incinerator. In 2019, the City of Buffalo announced plans to close the incinerator and replace it with a new waste management facility. The new facility will use more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies to manage waste, reducing the release of pollutants into the environment.
Additionally, the EPA has provided funding to support the cleanup of contaminated sites in the area, including the Buffalo River. The agency has also worked with local communities to develop strategies for reducing exposure to pollutants and promoting environmental justice.
www.hiclover.com
The Harper Incinerator has left a toxic legacy in Buffalo, with devastating effects on the environment and public health. However, efforts are being made to address the problem and promote a more sustainable and equitable future for the community. It is essential that we continue to work towards reducing pollution and promoting environmental justice, ensuring that all communities have access to clean air, water, and soil.
Comments are closed