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The findings came from the statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which has been monitoring air quality in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state since the summer of 2022.
A meeting on the first results of the study, which has been taking a close look at air quality in the Westchester County cities of Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle, will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Doles Center Auditorium in Mount Vernon at 250 South 6th Ave.
According to the study, which released a report on these first findings in mid-August, higher levels of diesel and non-diesel pollution have been found along Interstate 95 and Interstate 87 in New Rochelle and Yonkers.
The study revealed that more than 8,900 diesel trucks pass through these interstates every day.
Additionally, high levels of pollutants like black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and PM 2.5 were recorded along streets close to Interstate 95 in New Rochelle such as Lincoln Avenue and the neighborhoods of Rochelle Heights and French Ridge. These areas include childcare facilities, schools, auto body shops, and metal products manufacturing facilities.
Similarly, in Yonkers, high levels of pollutants were found along a portion of Tuckahoe Road east of the Saw Mill River Parkway, an area near a childcare facility and a park in the Nepperhan neighborhood.
Meanwhile, the highest levels of air pollutants in Mount Vernon were found in the city's southeast section along the industrialized border with the Bronx. Peak areas included several auto body shops, metal products facilities, and two asphalt plants.
To measure pollution levels, the study used cars fitted with sensors made by contractor Aclima, Inc. that measured pollutants while driving along neighborhood streets.
The initiative aims to collect data to help develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution sources. It is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard commented on the study's initial findings, calling them a "crucial step toward environmental justice and the well-being of our communities."
"This data highlights the disproportionate air pollution faced by our most vulnerable Black and Brown neighborhoods and equips us to take decisive action," Patterson-Howard added.
To help address the findings, the DEC launched an "anti-idling enforcement blitz" to make sure heavy-duty vehicles do not idle for more than five minutes at a time. This protects air quality, reduces noise, and improves fuel economy, DEC officials said.
Those interested in reading the full air pollution study findings in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle can do so by clicking here.
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