Press Release: On Love Canal's Anniversary, Regional Institute Looks at WNY's Environmental Burden

Thirty years after a federal emergency was declared at Love Canal in Niagara Falls, Western New York still grapples with an environmental burden from inherited and ongoing pollution, according to the Regional Institute’s latest policy brief, “Thirty Years from Love Canal.” In 2008, close to 600 active and inactive sites in the region are monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for past or present pollution, placing Western New York somewhat lower than many peer regions, including Detroit, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, in terms of site density - at 3.4 sites per 100 sq. km. - but relatively high in terms of sites per capita, with 3.8 sites per 10,000 residents.