We did it!
Tonawanda Coke's egregious crimes of environmental pollution put our community members health in harms way for many years. If it wasn't for the dedication and hard work of each and every resident that stood up, let our voices be heard and used citizen science to hold this company accountable for their pollution, none of us would be breathing cleaner air today. This was a long (over 10 years) and arduous journey; however, we persevered and finally got what we deserve, CLEAN AIR and JUSTICE. On October 16, 2018, the last belch of smoke seeped from Tonawanda Coke’s stacks as they shut down for good. We no longer have to endure their mess. We fought and we won.
On December 1st, we celebrated our big campaign win #STOPTHESTACKS at The Jake Bar and Grill in Tonawanda, NY. We were joined by local elected officials, government agency representatives and community residents to celebrate and recognize those that were instrumental in finally beating Tonawanda Coke's pollution. CSCR's board member, Jackie James Creedon, and elected officials presented New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Terri Mucha (attorney), and retired Regional Air Pollution Control Engineer Al Carlacci (also NYS DEC) CSCR's Community Resources award for dedication as a community collaborator in 2018. Grand Island Supervisor Nate McMurray, presented resident Shannon Spencer CSCR's "Citizen Scientist" award for outstanding work towards environmental activism and citizen science in 2018.
CSCR Board President, Phil Haberstro, inducted resident activist Jackie James Creedon into the Wellness Institute Of Greater Buffalo's Hall of Fame for her many years of dedication and environmental work towards improving the health of WNY residents.
With deep heartfelt gratitude to each and every person that stepped up to make this amazing victory for our community become a reality, Thank you.
CSCR, Inc.
Folks holding awards are Terri Much (NYSDEC), Jackie James Creedon and Shannon Spencer (GI resident). Also in photo are : Our residents with City of Tonawanda Mayor Rick Davis, GI Supervisor Nate McMurray and CSCR's board President Phil Haberstro.