Clearcutting

Located directly along Route 17 North (a major transportation corridor), the tree/green-filled parcel also filters out light, noise, visual, airborne particulates, gaseous pollutants, and air toxins emitted by diesel trucks and cars to neighborhood.

In order to accommodate a full-size regulation field, most of the existing natural and mature tree barriers will be clear-cut (7 acres).

It is imperative that our Village Council work with the EPA to investigate and assess emissions, air quality, expo­sures, health and environmental effects, as well as methods to mitigate these impacts. 

Pollutants directly emitted from cars, trucks and other motor vehicles are found in higher concentrations near major roads. Examples of directly emitted pollutants include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and benzene, though hundreds of chemicals are emitted by motor vehicles. Motor vehicles also emit compounds that lead to the formation of other pollutants in the atmosphere, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is found in elevated concentra­tions near major roads, and ozone (O3), which forms further downwind. Beyond vehicles’ tailpipe and evaporative emissions, roadway traffic also emits brake and tire debris and can throw road dust into the air. Individually and in combination, many of the pollutants found near roadways have been associated with adverse health ef­fects. 

Traffic activity, wind speed, and direction can have a big influence on pollutant concentrations. Generally, the more traffic, the higher the emissions; however, certain activities like congestion, stop-and-go movement or high-speed operations can increase emissions of certain pollutants.

The 2017 approved plan clearly outlines quality of life to neighborhood. As such, the closing recommendation/remediation focused on studies to be conducted by Independent Experts (page 18). Despite all the evidence, the new Village Council has said they will not commission studies.