NIAGARA FALLS, NY (WKBW) — Residents living near the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Plant in Niagara Falls are calling for action after a report from the 7 News I-Team revealed that the facility is releasing a dangerous cancer-causing chemical into the air.
The emissions exceed the current legal limits by seven times, raising concerns about the health of both the workers and the local community.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has responded by issuing a fine of $15,000 against the Goodyear plant. This fine stems from two separate violations related to the excessive emissions from the Niagara Falls facility. The DEC has also mandated that Goodyear submit a plan to reduce these emissions and bring the plant back into compliance with environmental standards.
I spoke with two long-time residents of Niagara Falls, Henry Sanez and Matteo Anello, both of whom have unique insights into the chemical industry, having worked at the now-closed Occidental Chemical Corporation on Buffalo Avenue.
“Anytime something happened, there was a shutdown,” recalled Sanez…