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York City Overview
York City Overview
Contains 3 waterways: Codorus Creek, Mill Creek, & Willis Run
Part of the Codorus Creek Watershed in addition to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Contains Kiwanis Lake
Water is serviced by York Water Company
Serves over 197,000 customers
Received 8 violations since 2015
Most recent violation was in February 2023 when the company violated the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule which limits the exposure of disinfecting byproducts to drinking water. The issue was corrected.
EPA Hazardous Waste Overview
EPA Hazardous Waste Overview
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the following data was collected about York City.
Total number of hazardous exposures: 285
Number of water discharges & potential hazards: 54
Density of exposures per square mile: 46.7
Density of Exposures comparison to neighboring suburban areas
Springettsbury Township: 3.4
York City residents are subject to 43.4 more hazardous exposures than township residents
Dover Township: 1.8
York City residents are subject to 44.9 more hazardous exposures than Dover residents
Hazardous waste and toxic releases in York City according to EPA.
Water discharges in York City according to EPA.
Pollution Data
Pollution Data
According to the US Census, Central Pennsylvania is #8 nationwide for air pollution.
Map on the left shows concentrated higher than normal air pollution conditions in York City.
According to the National Weather Service, York is located in an area with increased expected rainfall over the next 100 years. Additionally, York County is expected to see 1 in 100 year storms 11 times in the coming years.
Last year a lawsuit was filed against landfill/trash servicer, Republic Service LLC and Modern Landfill, for discharging unpermitted chemicals into a York County Creek.
PFAs, also known as "forever chemicals", were found in water sources throughout York County.
A new study found nearly half of tap water in the US contains PFAs
Studies have found in the last 20 years with York City's proactive approach to reducing pollution in water sources including stormwater drains that there is a decrease in pollution in the Codorus Creek. Moreover, increased wildlife and plant life is also found in the creek today. Community-based efforts to restore the city and reduce pollution including our Stormwater Drain Project have and continue to positively impact the city and residents.
Public Health Impacts of Environmental Factors
Public Health Impacts of Environmental Factors
PFAs, "forever chemicals", have increasingly linked to serious health conditions such as
cancer
liver & kidney disease
reproductive issues & infertility
immunodeficiencies
hormonal disruptions
In August 2023, some York City residents found the tap water had an odor and tasted different. Some even stated they had stomach aches and felt ill after drinking the tap water. One resident tested the water and claimed it was positive for toxic chemicals. However, when an investigative team at a local news agency tested the water, it was negative for toxic chemicals.
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Benjamin Chavis, former head of the United Church of Christ’s Commission on Racial Justice, receives credit for introducing the term after he participated in the 1982 protests against the siting of a hazardous waste landfill in Warren County, North Carolina.
"Environmental racism is racial discrimination in environmental policy-making and enforcement of regulations and laws, the deliberate targeting of communities of color for toxic waste facilities, the official sanctioning of the presence of life threatening poisons and pollutants for communities of color, and the history of excluding people of color from leadership of the environmental movement." (Chavis, 1994, p. xii)
Is environmental racism in York City?
A more localized analysis of data needs to be conducted in order to determine the extent environmental factors have on public health and wildlife. Historically, however, there have been cases where marginalized communities like those in York City are more likely to be exposed to pollution and environmental hazards.
Geographical Comparison: NYC & Florida
Geographical Comparison: NYC & Florida
New York City
New York City
In larger cities like New York City, environmental racism might be evident in disparities in air quality and exposure to pollutants. Low-income communities, often predominantly consisting of people of color, may be more likely to live in areas with higher pollution levels.
Public health in New York is diverse, with access to world-class healthcare facilities in the city. However, some areas may face challenges related to healthcare disparities and unequal access to health resources.
The state has a mix of urban and rural areas, with different environmental challenges. New York City faces issues like air pollution, while rural areas may deal with concerns related to agriculture and water quality.
Negative impacts in New York could include high levels of air pollution in certain urban areas, which can lead to respiratory issues. Displacement due to gentrification is another concern.
Florida
Florida
Similar to New York, Florida may also experience environmental racism in urban areas, where marginalized communities might be disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.
Health disparities can exist in Florida, especially in regions with a high concentration of low-income populations. Issues such as lack of healthcare infrastructure or insurance coverage may contribute to health inequalities.
Coastal areas in Florida are susceptible to issues like sea-level rise and hurricanes, while inland areas may face challenges related to agriculture and water scarcity.
The state may face negative impacts such as damage from hurricanes, loss of biodiversity, and challenges related to water management and quality.
New York, Florida, and York PA, exhibit distinct environmental and public health landscapes with both commonalities and unique challenges. In New York, the sprawling metropolis, particularly New York City, grapples with issues of environmental racism manifested in disproportionate exposure to pollutants in marginalized communities. Florida, characterized by coastal vulnerability, faces challenges like hurricanes and sea-level rise, impacting both health and the environment. In contrast, York PA, presents a more localized scenario where environmental injustices may manifest in the form of pollution and health disparities. All three regions confront negative impacts New York contends with air pollution and gentrification, Florida with hurricanes and water-related challenges, and York PA, with economic decline and pollution. Recognizing the diverse environmental and health concerns in these areas is crucial for developing targeted and equitable solutions that address the unique dynamics of each locality.
Additional Environmental Data
Additional Environmental Data
Data shared above can be accessed below on the following sources:
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