Training Grounds: Can The LIRR Be Hazardous to Your Health?

We’ve all joked that the commute to and from work is “hazardous” to our health. But now, it seems that for some Long Islanders it may be quite a literal reality.

According to some officials, the sounds and smells of diesel fuels consistently throughout the day are posing a public health threat to certain Suffolk residents. And, they are calling the LIRR to address the situation by moving the signal of the Patchogue station to run through a nearby parking lot where it will not pose a disturbance or risk to residents.

While the LIRR President has made a public promise to address the issue, many local inhabitants reached out to local legislators for help and to ensure a stop to the inconvenience and pollution was actually addressed.

Area residents expressed specific concerns regarding the damage the pollution could have on youngsters in the neighborhood, especially with regard to the inhalation of diesel fumes which could potentially lead to respiratory diseases.

However, local officials noted that they are powerless in imposing restriction on the railroad due to federal laws set in place to regulate the LIRR. And, what that means for residents is a waiting game, or help from either Albany or Washington.