Sophia Schmidt

EPA staffers and retirees worry rollbacks and cuts planned by Trump administration officials could undermine work to protect human health.

The company has tested air, creeks, soot and debris from the fire. It plans to continue air and water monitoring “for the foreseeable future.”

The gas company is hiring a contractor to study the feasibility of a geothermal system to heat and cool a public school and a rec center.

In a termination letter, the EPA said it is ensuring its grants do not support programs promoting “DEI” or environmental justice initiatives.

The plan includes expanding twice-weekly trash pickup to North Philly, fixing heating and air conditioning in libraries and adding planters to commercial corridors.

At a packed town hall, City Councilmember Jeffery Young proposed replacing the library with a mixed-use building. It didn’t go well.

“There have been way too many fires at EMR,” one neighbor said. “Nothing’s been done.”

“Their actions caused the … 4-story building to be fully engulfed in flames,” one first responder wrote in a report obtained by WHYY News.

One possible challenge: Officials say a $12 million federal grant to help implement the Philly Tree Plan is frozen.

Neighbors reported difficulty breathing, headaches and lingering odors in the aftermath of the massive blaze.

Residents say they are tired of repeatedly cleaning up their communities. They urged the city to invest in education and enforcement.

In a recording obtained by WHYY, a Camden County official said it was “by the grace of God” neighboring sewage treatment operations were spared.