Asphalt Plant in Long Island City Worries Greenpoint Residents

By Y.M. Lowy

An asphalt plant in Long Island City is causing concern for people living nearby. The plant, Green Asphalt, is just across Newtown Creek from Williamsburg. Many residents say the strong smell of asphalt is getting into their homes and streets.

Last year, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fined Green Asphalt for air pollution. The company has been told to make its smoke stacks taller, from 45 to 90 feet, by December 11 and to regularly check its emissions to make sure they are safe.

Green Asphalt says it is the first fully recycled asphalt plant in the country and claims the fumes are not dangerous. While recycling asphalt is better for the environment, experts warn that the smoke can still cause health problems if people are around it too much.

Nearby residents continue to worry about the smell and the effect on their health. The DEC and Green Asphalt say they are monitoring the plant and making improvements to address these concerns.