Three years ago, the coal export terminal in the neighborhood of Curtis Bay in South Baltimore exploded, shattering windows and causing more damage throughout the community. One year ago, a new report confirmed that coal dust from the terminal had been polluting the community for decades - and this fall, these findings were validated by peer review. Also this fall, CSX operations caused a dust storm earning the terminal another notice of violation from the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Now, this coal export terminal's Permit to Operate is up for renewal, and MDE needs to hear from you! Don't miss your chance to submit public comments in support of community demands to build a just transition away from coal exports.
- Can you add your organization's name to a short sign-on comment letter? Click here!
- Do you want to submit a comment letter on behalf of yourself individually or your organization? Download our comment guide:
Neighbors in South Baltimore have been organizing for years against the health, environmental, and quality of life impacts - read more in Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health. Their work has resulted in a landmark collaborative report between leading community organizations, universities, and the Maryland Department of the Environment demonstrating the presence of coal dust contamination throughout the community. Three years after the coal terminal exploded, their documentation proved a dust storm due to CSX activities contaminating the Curtis Bay community just last month - which earned the coal terminal yet another Notice of Violation. In October, overwhelming crowds testified against the coal terminal's impact on the community at a public hearing in Curtis Bay (read more about the hearing in the Baltimore Banner or the Baltimore Sun). Proving longtime community complaints that coal dust was contaminating the neighborhood, a new report - now validated by peer review this fall - documents the presence of coal dust throughout the community. South Baltimore deserves a real solution to coal dust contamination, not the half-measures proposed in the draft permit.
Add your voice to the community call by submitting written testimony by December 16!
