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Two More Filter Suits Dismissed

By JORDAN MOSS

Two suits aimed at stopping the construction of the water filtration plant in Van Cortlandt Park were dismissed last month by two Queens Supreme Court justices.

The suits were brought by Bronx Environmental Health and Justice (BEHJ), a group of Norwood residents opposed to the plant, and the Westchester town of Eastchester.

BEHJ had argued that the city engaged in environmental discrimination by not properly studying the health impacts of the plant on the densely populated community surrounding the park.

But Justice Marguerite Grays said the study was sufficient for residents to understand how the plant would impact the community.

The town of Eastchester sued the city because it said the city didn’t consider the fact they would have to build their own smaller plant if the Croton plant was built downstream from them. But Justice James Dollard said the city was not required to consider the impact on Eastchester in its Environmental Impact Statement.

Both the town of Eastchester and BEHJ are considering appeals.

The rulings on the two suits follow the decision of the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park not to continue with legal action after their suit was dismissed late last year.

Ed. note: Seven years of articles on the filtration plant controversy are available in the Norwood News’ Web archive at www.bronxmall.com/norwoodnews.   Click on “Continuing Stories.”

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