"Freight Yard Expansion Could Pose Lung Hazard"

"With a massive freight yard expansion backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel poised to bulldoze the northeast corner of Englewood, a new analysis suggests the project would substantially increase lung-damaging pollution in a neighborhood already plagued by high rates of asthma."



"Based on information provided by Norfolk Southern about diesel-powered locomotives, trucks and equipment at its expanded freight yard, the analysis by the nonprofit Environmental Law and Policy Center found that worrisome levels of soot could spread several blocks beyond the site.

The group used a computer model developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to determine that soot from the additional diesel exhaust would exceed a federal safety limit in an area bounded roughly by 43rd and 63rd streets on the north and south, and by State and Halsted streets on the east and west."

Michael Hawthorne reports for the Chicago Tribune July 17, 2013.

Source: Chicago Tribune, 07/17/2013