Finally, the city is going to try to eliminate those disgusting plumes of black smoke coming from buildings by proposing rules that will ban cheap heating oils. According to the NY Times' Green blog, "The rules, which are subject to a 30-day period of public comment and will be the focus of a hearing on Feb. 28, would phase out the dirtiest types of heating oil used by about 10,000 buildings in New York: No. 6, the cheapest but most viscous type pumped into aging boilers, and another heavy oil, No. 4, which is only slightly less noxious. Air pollution from these oils can irritate the lungs and worsen conditions like asthma and emphysema as well as increase the risk of heart attack and premature death." more ›

Thick black smoke hovering above Washington Heights is apparently a common occurrence, but it is legal? The Gay Recluse has some photos of the area and says it's the result of "improperly maintained or outdated boiler systems," with one building in particular being a main culprit (671 West 162nd Street). Has anyone seen something similar, or worse? This certainly can't be helping with the rising asthma problem. more ›