Staten Island in the 1970s was a time of change and challenges for the residents of this New York City borough. The DOCUMERICA project, which documented environmental conditions and pollution in the United States during the 1970s, also included Staten Island, which faced various environmental issues that affected the local community.
One of the main environmental concerns during this time was air pollution. With heavy industrial activity in the area, air quality in Staten Island was poor, with high levels of particulate matter and smog. This pollution resulted from many manufacturing facilities and power plants in the borough.
In addition to air pollution, the water quality of Staten Island’s waterways was also a concern during this time. Industrial waste and sewage were often dumped into the water, contaminating local water sources. This resulted in limited recreational use of Staten Island’s beaches and waterways.
The weather conditions in Staten Island during the 1970s were typically mild. Summers were warm and humid, while winters were cold and often brought heavy snowfall. The borough was also prone to flooding during heavy rainstorms, which was a result of the borough’s topography and its proximity to the ocean.
The borough’s population continued to grow, and new housing developments and commercial areas were built to accommodate this growth. However, this development also created additional environmental concerns, as natural habitats and green spaces were often destroyed to make way for new construction.
