One of the nation's largest citizen science projects needs your help.
Volunteers are needed to help collect samples for a soil study that aims to understand how emissions from Tonawanda Coke Corporation may have affected soil in the surround community.
Those interested are required to attend a 90-minute training session on either August 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. or August 5 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CSCR offices in Kenmore, located on 3200 Elmwood Ave. Room 212, Kenmore, N.Y. 14217. The deadline to sign up is August 1st.
UB is leading the study with a group of Tonawandas' community activists called Citizen Science Community Resources (CSCR) and SUNY Fredonia.
In 2012, CSCR members and area residents wondered if Tonawanda Coke emissions were responsible for the black soot pollution that was interfering with their quality of life. They grabbed shovels and a few jars, dug samples in several yards, and sent the samples to a nearby laboratory for testing. Many dangerous chemicals were found.
In March 2014, a federal judge ordered Tonawanda Coke Corp. to fund the $711,000 study, which was submitted by CSCR members.
The Tonawanda Coke soil study team is hoping to gain the help of committed volunteers who can join CSCR in the field.
For more information or to sign up, contact CSCR at 716-873-6191.
