Environmental Conditions at Melrose, Bronx - Coursework Example

Environmental Conditions at Melrose, Bronx Melrose, Bronx is located in the New York Primarily, Melrose was mainly home to Germans, Irish and Italians. The neighborhood was known for a dense working class but by the end of 1970’s there was a rapid change seen in Melrose, which led to its downfall. As the original housing stock was gone, the system decayed giving rise to vacant buildings (Gonzale 7). The distrust between the governmental bodies and communities at Bronx led to the instability, which restricted to create sustainable work practices relating to economic, social, and environmental development. Currently, Melrose consists of the population of 30,000 people who are mostly Latin Americans. According to research conducted by EPA, there are 57% of Whites who do not have access to the appropriate standard of air quality in their communities. There is about 65% of African American and 80% of Hispanics who fail to have the same. The neighborhood redeveloped itself after 2000s. Reconstruction and renovation have taken place in Melrose accompanied by a significant “Green” boom. Melrose, which was previously known as the “forgotten neighborhood," has been able to develop itself. However, there are still many environmental shortcomings and social problems occurring due to poverty and low-income population (Yip and Pearcy). Melrose can be regarded as one of the busiest cities today with a peaceful landscape. There are old Victorian homes, downtown areas, parks, and fields. The neighborhood is residential, and there is support to residents regarding their house, education, leisure needs as well as other recreational activities. Reports coming from EPA show that there are environmental issues present at Bronx. There is a disproportionate share of plants that are hazardous to health. Moreover, pollution and poor air quality are primary problems at Bronx. These environmental issues are due of many waste transfer stations. These transfer stations make people get exposed to diesel trucks that create a considerable amount of air pollution, which leads to health problems. In this regard, a research was conducted by the New York City that found higher rates of diesel exhaust in few selected areas in Bronx where people were breathing toxins in the air. There were increased asthma and lung diseases due to high rates of respiratory issues in Bronx (Yip and Pearcy). Certain observations carried out about environmental injustice in the neighborhood, and it was found that people of Melrose were unhappy with the mismanagement of the environmental agencies. Most of the complaints are about the noise and air pollution, which is being occurring to a massive movement of trucks of diesels. The environmental issue has raised complaints amongst the residents in and around Melrose. While wondering around Melrose, one can see that physical development of environmental systems are missing as there is mismanagement of wastewater and municipal solid disposals. Hence, treating wetlands is seen as an essential treatment required so that harmful substances like hydrocarbons, nitrates and other pollutants are reduced. Moreover, it is observed that recycling is absent which reduces environmental damage. Recycling of organic products allows plantations for a greener environment as well. It is important to note that the composting process can help in heating of water, which can play a vital role in reducing the energy that is used of fossil fuels. Likewise, if bicycle lanes and pedestrian oriented facilities were developed it would promote a greener environment that is seen inadequate at Melrose. Though, the mentioned environmental issues are evident at Bronx but environmental dredging to remediate contaminated soil is carried out at regular intervals. However, majority of fuel oil spills incidents are also common at Bronx that are often left ignored. In the case when fuel spill incidents occur, it is seen that the remedial steps are not up to the mark. The study revealed that the amount of street level air contained high levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and increased number of carbon mono oxides. Reports of field screening and metals data also prove that Soil at Bronx and Melrose neighborhood contain hazardous materials that are harmful to all living creatures around the region. Similarly reports of ground water also showed that there are organic compounds that raise a significant amount of concern which are to be addressed (Yip and Pearcy). It is also observed that during construction of any plant there are varieties of hazardous materials like diesel, gasoline and other lubricants seen being stored, which are intoxicating. Thus, access to these sites poses a serious threat to health and safety of the public. Reports from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that the health and social conditions of people are deteriorating due to these environmental issues. The presence of lead is found which leads to poisoning in urban minority areas affecting the health of the public. The South Bronx community and New York Wagner aimed to protect the environment by using and building “green” space and features that could help reduce the after effects of air pollution (Yip and Pearcy). The South Bronx Community proposed that the homes should be painted with low VOC paints and furnishing them with solid wood in place of boards so that the indications of severe asthma could be reduced which are occurring from air pollutants. Another report from EPA indicated that the respiratory issues are seen rising in the South Bronx community as it is one of the major dumping sides for waste. Thus, it can be said that health awareness is a must in this regard to reduce the severe conditions at South Bronx community. South Bronx is considered to be having one of highest incarceration rates in America (Yip and Pearcy). Melrose was known as a wasteland where there were just empty shells of buildings and rubbles. Therefore, it can be said that the neighborhood requires greener space. Fortunately, the place has received a Silver LEED Certification, which allows Melrose to integrate smart growth and “use green building” as a means to develop environmentally responsible as well as sustainable neighborhood (Garland, Steenburgh and Sanchez). The LEED Certification provides collaborative efforts with USGBC (Congress for the New Urbanism and Natural Resources Defense Council). A green space having South Bronx Food Cooperative was also built in this regard to minimizing the use of processed food and focus on organic intake for a greener community. In order to promote a greener environment, it is important to make effective implementation of the features presented by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation (Community Board Bronx) and Development, which focus on the following: 1. Creating a green roof that serves as an insulator 2. A co-generation system to be installed so that people can have access to electricity and hot water 3. In order to protect indoors from non-toxic materials, there should be controlled filtered ventilation systems. 4. To start education and awareness programs for the residents of Melrose to adapt a green environment and a safer lifestyle. 5. To promote dredging, maximize recycling and make good drainage system. It is interesting to note that living at a place where there is exposure of air pollutants and dumps rather than grocery stores makes the living area of Bronx questionable. Environmental justice system shows damaging results, which can only be subsided if they focus on minimizing exposure at parks and other open spaces rather than on just toxic site issues. Presently, there are agencies like United States, Environmental Protection Agency and New York University Wagner School of Public Service that are working to improve the environmental and living conditions at Bronx (Restrepo and Zimmerman). Works Cited Community Board Bronx. Statement of community district needs. 2014. Web. 15 September 2014 . Garland, E, et al. "Impact of LEED-certified affordable housing on asthma in the South Bronx." Prog Community Health Partnersh 7.1 (2013): 29-37. Print. Gonzale, Evelyn Diaz. The Bronx. New York: Columbia University Press, 2014. Print. Restrepo, Carlos E. and Rae Zimmerman. Public Health and Environmental Policy Analysis. New York: Institute for Civil Infrastructure Systems (ICIS) , 2008. Print. USGBC. USGBC: About LEED ND. 2014. Web. 15 September 2014 . Yip, Fuyuen Y. and Jeffrey N Pearcy. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Unhealthy Air Quality — United States, 2006–2009. 2015. Web.15 September 2014 . Read More