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A case of environmental justice success in the USA; the campaign WE ACT forced the US government to address the issue of water treatment in the North River in Manhattan.

Since it began operating in April 1986, the North River Sewage Treatment Plant's noxious emissions has been causing respiratory problems, among others, in the West Harlem community.

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Type of conflict. 1st level:

Water Management

Type of conflict. 2nd level:

Water treatment and access to sanitation (access to sewage)

Project Details and Actors

Project details

The plant treats 125 million gallons of wastewater during dry weather, but can handle up to 340 million gallons during wet weather. [1]

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Level of Investment:

1,300,000,000

Type of population

Urban

Affected Population:

74,000-110,000

Start of the conflict:

04/01/1968

End of the conflict:

1993

Company names or state enterprises:

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from United States of America

Relevant government actors:

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Environmental justice organizations (and other supporters) and their websites, if available:

Natural Resources Defense Council, WE ACT

Intensity

MEDIUM (street protests, visible mobilization)

Reaction stage

In REACTION to the implementation (during construction or operation)

Groups mobilizing:

Local ejos
Local government/political parties
Neighbours/citizens/communities
Recreational users
Local scientists/professionals

Forms of mobilization:

Creation of alternative reports/knowledge
Development of a network/collective action
Lawsuits, court cases, judicial activism
Media based activism/alternative media
Public campaigns
Street protest/marches

Environmental Impacts

Visible: Air pollution

Health Impacts

Visible: Other environmental related diseases

Other Health impacts

Excess hydrogen sulfide leading to increased asthma among already high incidences of asthma ; noxious odors

Project Status

In operation

Conflict outcome / response:

Compensation
Environmental improvements, rehabilitation/restoration of area
Court decision (victory for environmental justice)
Strengthening of participation

Do you consider this an environmental justice success? Was environmental justice served?:

Yes

Briefly explain:

While the plant was not closed, WE ACT forced the city to spend $55 million to address the issues, including the noxious odors from the plant. Additionally, the settlement provided them with $1.1 million to fund their work and address community concerns related to health and the environment.

References to published books, academic articles, movies or published documentaries

Related media links to videos, campaigns, social network

Contributor:

Bernadette Grafton and Paul Mohai, [email protected] and [email protected], University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment

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North River Sewage Treatment Plant, USA | EJAtlas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A case of environmental justice success in the USA; the campaign WE ACT forced the US government to address the issue of water treatment in the North River in Manhattan. Since it began operating in April 1986, the North River Sewage Treatment Plant's noxious emissions has been causing respiratory problems, among others, in the West Harlem community.