MIDTOWN EXPLOSION: A MATTER OF TRUST?

Gothamist looks back to the 1989 Gramercy steam pipe explosion and Con Edison's seeming reluctance to recognize asbestos dangers and willingness to take its chances in court:

Back in 1989, when a steam pipe exploded near Gramercy Park, two Con Ed workers and a resident sleeping in her apartment were killed....Residents living in nearby buildings tested the debris, only to find traces of asbestos - which Con Ed never disclosed in the first four days after the explosion. In 1994, the U.S. Attorney's office indicted Con Ed and Con Ed officials for not promptly reporting the presence of hazardous materials, as required by law. Con Ed pleaded guilty, was fined $2 million, and was put on probation (court-supervised monitor). Con Ed also spent $54 million to settle with private parties. Residents were also forced to leave their apartments for many months while the buildings were cleaned; many apartments were looted.

Yesterday I saw footage of firetrucks being washed down. Can Con Edison and the city be trusted to do what it takes to search for contaminants and protect the health of people in the affected area? Should Con Edison be the party offering to collect and eliminate damaged clothing and other property? How well are we applying lessons from the past?

Here's some ABC coverage from yesterday.



Source (2:35)


Previous coverage is here.