A recycling plant in Long Island City is emitting a foul odor along the Newtown Creek, causing frustration among state regulators and residents who are struggling to cope with the smell.
State regulators initially raised concerns about the emissions from Green Asphalt back in January 2024, accusing the company of violating the New York State Air Pollution Control Law by releasing fumes that significantly disrupted the quality of life in the area.
Despite efforts to address the issue, residents have reported that the chemical odor has worsened over time.
Tom Mituzas, a Blissville resident, described the smell as “choking” and shared how it affected his elderly aunt, prompting him to relocate her from their family home due to concerns about the harmful fumes.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has received numerous complaints about the odor and its potential health risks, leading to demands for the plant to increase the height of its smokestacks and conduct air quality testing.
Green Asphalt has stated that they are actively working to address odor complaints and engage with the community to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Asphalt fumes can have serious health implications, including throat irritation, cough, fatigue, and skin cancer, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The DOT has halted asphalt recycling operations with Green Asphalt and is awaiting a corrective plan before allowing operations to resume, according to City Council member Julie Won’s office.
Efforts are underway to ensure regular air quality testing near the plant site and enforce environmental regulations to improve the situation, as stated by Won and other state officials.
