Everyone living on the West Side of Buffalo should be interested in the results of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Quality Study, as it pertains to the Peace Bridge. The department is hosting a meeting on Tuesday, September 20, where it plans to present a report on studies that concern an entire West Side community.

“We deserve to know what we are breathing,” stated one concerned West Side neighbor.

Once the report has been released, it will be interesting to see what follows. If there is an identifiable air quality issue that needs to be addressed, a Pandora’s Box of issues will ensue. What has been mostly a relatively quiet front as of late, could all come crashing down tomorrow. Members of the community have been waiting for this day since the study began.

This is the study that included neighborhood participation, using two air monitors designed to measure black carbon, carbonys and fine particulate matter, ultrafine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds over the time period of one year. The study will also determine the air quality when traffic is highest on the Peace Bridge and the I-190.

Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting that will take place at the Porter Niagara Library – 280 Porter Avenue at 6pm.