Spitzer moves to ban creosote in state

A recent move by Governor Eliot Spitzer would partially end the manufacture, sale and use of creosote in New York State, but residents of Richmond Hill are less than thrilled.
As reported in The Courier Sun, people in the area claim that the chemical - which has been linked &#8220to a number of health hazards, including convulsions, liver disease, cancer and even death,” according to the website for FELA, the Federal Employers Liability Act - drips from the elevated J subway line.
Creosote is used in various industrial applications to preserve wood and prevent insect infestation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1995 classified creosote as a probable human carcinogen and a hazardous waste, said Spitzer.
&#8220This will protect the environment, and help ensure that workers will be protected from the harsh effects of this dangerous chemical,” said Spitzer. &#8220I am pleased that we were able to achieve a sensible, workable bill that provides long-needed protections while not hampering business needs.”
The governor's partial ban - which would phase-out the manufacture, sale and use of creosote in New York after January 1, 2008 - does not apply to the following:
Railroads and the operation and/or maintenance of railroads and railroad shipping facilities;
Electric corporations, and the maintenance of new or existing utility poles owned or used by utilities, telecommunications firms and similar companies;
Use of utility poles by other persons to suspend or support power, communications, utility wires, lines or cables and related equipment, antennae, lighting, signals, electric or electronic devices and similar equipment; and
Public authorities and utilities that own and operate electric transmission or distribution lines.
Simcha Waisman, Vice-President of the Richmond Hill Block Association (RHBA), expressed disappointment at these exemptions, as it means that the J line subway may not receive the upgrades he claims it so desperately needs.
Waisman, whose organization has been in communications with New York City Transit, said that they have not been cooperative.
&#8220We tried to set up a meeting but it was postponed to the end of August,” he said. &#8220They are not responsive to anything that is going on. I am very disappointed and so is the community.”
New York City Transit did not return repeated phone calls for comment.