Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would direct the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to undertake a comprehensive lead abatement program throughout the subway system.

Res. No. 230

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would direct the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to undertake a comprehensive lead abatement program throughout the subway system.

By Council Member Van Bramer

                     Whereas, In April 2017, according to published reports, paint chips falling from the elevated Flushing Line train trestle in Queens were found to contain lead in amounts of 224,000 parts per million when tested by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, which is 44 times safe levels; and

                     Whereas, Many of the areas under elevated trestles throughout the City’s subway system are heavily used thoroughfares filled with pedestrians and local businesses, including food service establishments; and

                     Whereas, According to the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning can cause a variety of health problems, including seizures and developmental issues in children and high blood pressure and memory difficulties in adults; and

                     Whereas, S.5754A, introduced by State Senator Jose Peralta, which had companion bill A.7562A, introduced by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, was passed by the New York State Legislature in June 2017 and signed into law by the Governor in December 2017; and

                     Whereas, This law requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) to conduct a study and produce a report regarding past renovations and associated lead paint abatement at a statistically significant subset of aboveground subway stations and structures, the degree to which the MTA is in compliance with federal and state air quality laws and regulations, recommendations to further lead paint abatement and enhance air quality controls, and the fiscal impact of such recommendations; and

                     Whereas, In light of the serious health risks associated with exposure to lead paint, the MTA should be further required to conduct a comprehensive examination of the presence of potentially dangerous lead-based paint at all 472 underground and aboveground subway stations and on all elevated trestles and, following such examination, undertake all necessary lead abatement measures to ensure the safety of its customers and all those who live and work near its facilities; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would direct the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to undertake a comprehensive lead abatement program throughout the subway system.

JM

LS# 4338

2/15/2018