Residents of Niagara Falls are increasingly alarmed by the ongoing pollution from the Goodyear tire plant, which has been linked to cancer-causing chemicals affecting their health. During a recent community meeting, local residents and advocacy groups voiced their concerns about the plant's emissions, particularly the chemical ortho-toluidine, which is used in rubber production and has been flagged as a carcinogen since 1983.
Ortho-toluidine is a known human carcinogen linked to bladder cancer while DPA is a possible carcinogen that may harm the bladder, kidneys, and liver. The DEC violation notice focuses on two pollution-control devices -- the Tri-Mer scrubber and Elimination Tank 2 -- that have both failed to adequately capture these pollutants.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Goodyear plant poses the highest human health risk of any factory in Niagara County. Neighbors have reported finding ash and black residue on their vehicles and homes, raising fears about the potential health impacts. Just last week, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fined the Goodyear plant $15,000 and mandated the installation of equipment to reduce ortho-toluidine emissions, although compliance is not required until next year.
Community members expressed frustration that the DEC has not mandated accurate testing of the emissions from the plant's 13 stacks for decades, affecting nearly 4,000 residents living within two miles of the facility. Niagara County has one of the highest incidence rates of bladder cancer in both the state and the nation. Just in the 14304 ZIP code where the Goodyear plant is located, 15.4% of the population identifies as having some form of disability which is more than the national average of 13.6%.
Community groups have successfully pressured Goodyear to install temporary ortho-toluidine reduction equipment by March. They have also garnered support from local officials, including Congressman Tim Kennedy and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Reports indicate that in 2023, Goodyear released over 1,200 pounds of ortho-toluidine, far exceeding the DEC's recommended limit of 100 pounds. The plant has a troubling history of occupational bladder cancer outbreaks among its workers with federal health investigators finding that the disease affected employees at a rate four times higher than the national average.
The DEC has acknowledged the importance of protecting air quality and public health, stating that it will continue to take appropriate actions regarding the Goodyear facility. However, residents are calling for immediate action to address the pollution and safeguard their health. For those looking to get involved, the Clean Air Coalition of WNY and the Niagara Falls branch of the NAACP are available for outreach and support.
Community Outcry Grows Over Continued Cancer-causing Emissions from Goodyear Plant in Niagara Falls