The population of Cockeysville, MD is approximately 20,000; it is somewhat densely populated. There are many businesses located in Cockeysville and in areas surrounding it. The various industries include the quarry (where limestone is "mined"), McCormick Food Spice Factory, AAI (a company that manufactures supplies for the U.S. Army), fast food companies, the local dump, nearby cities, schools, trains, highways, etc.
The Cockeysville Quarry
Dear County Executive Kevin Kamenetz,
We're are concerned about the environmental cleanliness of Cockeysville, MD. There are so many industries that negatively impact our town and the environment surrounding it. Such pollutants originate from businesses such as the Cockeysville quarry, McCormick Food Spice Factory, AAI, etc. Pollutants also originate from "pedestrian-pollution," such as litter, gas exhaust, cigarette smoke, and many other forms of unnecessary and preventable pollution.
Though the companies we mentioned before help our economic situation by providing jobs and products commonly used in our society, they can create harmful runoff that can affect our environment. Let's begin by discussing the harmful pollutants that come from the quarry. Limestone is one of the main elements mined in the quarry. Particles of limestone are airbourne, and make their way into different waterways while Calcium Carbonate, the neutralizing element found in limestone, can make acidic water more pure, though not likely. These particles are even found crusted in the windowsills of nearby buildings, including schools. They can also affect aquatic animals.
The next large source of pollutants is the local dump. Think about all of the things we throw out each day. Harmful elements from plastics and other toxins can get into our waterways, killing animals, plants, etc. Gases from AAI and McCormick Food Spice Factory also affect the purity of waterways that lead to the Chesapeake Bay.
We encourage you to create regulations for the companies mentioned that protect our environment. While this task will not be easy, it must be done in order to protect our town's future. Here are some examples of what you can suggest to each company. For the quarry, suggest that they limit their use of explosives to excavate limestone to reduce airbourne particles. For McCormick's and AAI, suggest they use more earth-friendly and "green" gases, rather than ones that are potentially harmful. Also, for the dump, encourage more recycling, and try to remove as much recyclable waste as possible from the trash piles.
We hope that the actions you take benefit everyone in the Cockeysville area! Thank you for helping our environment, and taking the time to read this letter!
Sincerely,
Siena, Mary Claire, and Maddie
Though the companies we mentioned before help our economic situation by providing jobs and products commonly used in our society, they can create harmful runoff that can affect our environment. Let's begin by discussing the harmful pollutants that come from the quarry. Limestone is one of the main elements mined in the quarry. Particles of limestone are airbourne, and make their way into different waterways while Calcium Carbonate, the neutralizing element found in limestone, can make acidic water more pure, though not likely. These particles are even found crusted in the windowsills of nearby buildings, including schools. They can also affect aquatic animals.
The next large source of pollutants is the local dump. Think about all of the things we throw out each day. Harmful elements from plastics and other toxins can get into our waterways, killing animals, plants, etc. Gases from AAI and McCormick Food Spice Factory also affect the purity of waterways that lead to the Chesapeake Bay.
We encourage you to create regulations for the companies mentioned that protect our environment. While this task will not be easy, it must be done in order to protect our town's future. Here are some examples of what you can suggest to each company. For the quarry, suggest that they limit their use of explosives to excavate limestone to reduce airbourne particles. For McCormick's and AAI, suggest they use more earth-friendly and "green" gases, rather than ones that are potentially harmful. Also, for the dump, encourage more recycling, and try to remove as much recyclable waste as possible from the trash piles.
We hope that the actions you take benefit everyone in the Cockeysville area! Thank you for helping our environment, and taking the time to read this letter!
Sincerely,
Siena, Mary Claire, and Maddie
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excellent job ladies! You did a wonderful job explaining the connections between industry and how it ends up in our waters. Keep it up!
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