Troy

The Rensselaer County Health Department is investigating the possible health impacts a large salt pile on the Hudson River may have on two city neighborhoods.

The county Health Department's Environmental Division is asking residents in the Riverside and Washington Park neighborhoods to complete questionnaires about health complaints.

"The county Health Department has been speaking with some people to start off an investigation of this situation," said Chris Meyer, a spokesman for County Executive Kathleen Jimino.

Residents of the two neighborhoods have complained about salt blowing off the pile with negative impacts on their health and homes.

American Rock Salt leases the site where the salt pile is located from C.D. Perry. It's been there for 18 years selling rock salt to be spread on roads during winter storms.

A spokesman for American Rock Salt did not respond Friday to a request for comment.

The company has permits from the state Department of Environmental Conservation to operate its salt storage and distribution operations. The pile is situated between the Hudson River and First Street with the northern boundary being Adams Street and the southern boundary the Poesten Kill.

"We have been in contact with state Health to look for guidance on this issue," Meyer said.

The Riverside Neighborhood has named a committee to deal with the salt pile issue. It's chaired by Keith Kansu, who called attention to the potential problems caused by the salt blowing around the blocks adjacent to the pile.

Kansu has contacted the state DEC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Also serving on the committee are residents Bernice Bornt Ledgeboer, Danyelle Brownlee, Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, Community Service Officer David Buckley as a liaison with the city, and Derrick Conyers from the staff of Assemblyman John T. McDonald III, D-Cohoes. Representatives of C.D. Perry and American Rock Salt are being asked to participate.

Forms for residents to report health complaints may be obtained by calling 270-2664.

kcrowe@timesunion.com • 518-454-5084 • @KennethCrowe