The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has led to a significant increase in truck traffic at New York Harbor’s seaports, according to data from the Port Authority. The incident occurred on March 26 when a cargo vessel struck one of the bridge’s support columns, causing the entire structure to collapse. Consequently, Baltimore's port was closed until June 12 while wreckage was cleared.
Clinton Andrews, director of Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Policy Research, commented on the environmental impact of this increased truck traffic. He noted that residents near the ports are exposed to "highly localized" particulate pollution. This unburned carbon from exhaust pipes is too heavy to disperse into the atmosphere and remains concentrated along local streets.
“An important dimension of this potential impact from the increased truck traffic is what you might call a microclimatic impact,” Andrews stated. “In other words, more intense pollution levels directly along the streets that are bearing the brunt of the traffic and not much difference further away.” He explained that pollution tends to stay on local streets where more trucks are now driving through.
This heightened exposure to particulate matter can exacerbate asthma attacks, wheezing, and cardiac problems for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Trucks also emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide.
A January 2017 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that one in four children in Newark have asthma, which is three times higher than New Jersey's average rate. The EPA also reports that asthma is the leading cause of absenteeism among school-aged children in Newark.
In an effort to mitigate isolated pollution, Elizabeth City Council passed an ordinance in 2019 prohibiting vehicles weighing more than four tons from traveling through certain local streets. However, Andrews indicated that enforcing this measure remains challenging. “This is a problem that’s recognized and an enforcement mechanism is in place, and it just needs to be implemented regularly,” he said.
Gothamist, July 4, 2024
