October 19, 2008: Click here for the latest update.
Bates Troy Dry Cleaners in Binghamton, NY Is Discharging Soap Into Our Rivers
Because of Bates Troy's longterm, consistent air pollution there has been a build-up of lint and soap residues on the roof of the neighboring Laurel Bowl. Each time that it rains, some of this soap residue flows off the Laurel Bowl roof and into the street. The pictures you are about to see were taken on September 12, 2008 around 6pm. You will notice a great deal of suds but bear in mind that this picture was taken after roughly 4 hours of rain. Had we taken the picture immediately after the rain started you would see a substantially greater amount of suds.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so let's take a look at these pictures that provide evidence that Bates Troy's industrial waste is following into our rivers.
In order to demonstrate that the river pollution does in fact happen every time it rains here are some photos we took on September 13 around 1:30pm. You'll notice that there is an even greater amount of soap suds on this day, eventhough it already rained the previous day.
In case you can't read the writing in the final picture, it says "DON'T DUMP Drains To River".
We want to know whether Bates Troy's ongoing pollution problem was discussed at the meeting that decided they could expand their plant into a residential area. We want to know whether Bates Troy will continue to pollute our rivers or whether the City of Binghamton will enforce its preexisting laws.
Local naturalists are aware that our area of Binghamton is home to an animal that is listed as in "Serious Concern" by the DEC -- the pygmy snaketail dragonfly. Here is a picture of this rare creature:
According to scientists, the pygmy snaketail needs high-quality, clear, clean water in order to survive (source). Given that Bates Troy is polluting our rivers, the habitat of the pygmy snaketail, it is reasonable to ask whether a full environmental assessment was done on the impact Bates Troy's expansion would have on the larger ecology of Binghamton. In order to comply with New York State law, the Zoning Board of Appeals should have considered any possible impact that Bates Troy's expansion would have on the local animals, especially those animals listed as being in "Serious Concern" by the DEC.
We demand a full investigation into the environmental impact of Bates Troy's dry cleaning plant.
Bates Troy Dirty Neighbor is an ad hoc organization of concerned families living around the pollution produced by the Bates Troy Dry Cleaning Plant located at 151 Laurel Ave, Binghamton, NY 13905. We demand that Bates Troy comply with the laws of the State of New York. We may not have lawyers, money or high-ranking political allies. But we have something far more important: the truth is on our side.
"It is the public policy of the City that every person is entitled to ambient noise levels that are not detrimental to life, health, and enjoyment of his or her property."
-City of Binghamton Noise Control Ordinance