Queens Asphalt Plant Suspends Operations Amidst Resident Health Concerns

Resident Relief from Asphalt Plant Fumes

• 💨 Florence Masholski, nearing 95, expresses relief from the factory fumes she believes were affecting her health.
• 💡 Residents in Blissville, Long Island City, reported toxic-smelling smog emanating from the Green Asphalt plant since June.
• 🤢 Described symptoms included watery eyes, shortness of breath, and a foul taste, leading to residents hiding in their apartments.

Regulatory Orders and Plant Closure

• 📈 The state DEEC ordered Green Asphalt to report emissions and raise its smoke stack away from homes by December 11th.
• ⏳ The deadline passed without compliance, leading Green Asphalt to temporarily halt operations.
• ❓ The plant cited "forces beyond our control" for failing to meet the deadline but declined to specify the reasons or the chemical makeup of its fumes.

Ongoing Concerns and Community Action

• ⚠️ Residents are concerned about potential carcinogens in the fumes and their long-term health effects.
• 🤝 The Blissville Civic calls the closure a step forward but demands compliance, testing, and raised smoke stacks.
• ✊ Assembly member Clare Valdez highlights a history of pollution in the area and vows community support.
• 🚧 Residents are prepared to protest and block streets if the plant attempts to reopen without meeting compliance standards.