NYC 811 network, Queens-Midtown Tunnel damage, obesity
The Queens Midtown Tunnel seen from the Queens side. Credit: Jeff Bachner
MTA, city required to join 811 network
The damage to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel happened because the excavator failed to contact New York 811 before drilling, as required by state law [“Tunnel breach a clear warning,” Editorial, Sept. 19]. Even if the excavator had done that, the owner of the facility, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, would not have known about the pending excavation because neither the MTA nor the City of New York is a member of the one-call notification system, as prescribed by law.
Since I’ve been in the damage prevention industry, neither the city nor any of its agencies have fulfilled their responsibilities regarding the one-call requirements. Thousands of miles of vital underground infrastructure are depended on by residents — water, electric, subway feeds, sewer, and communication lines — that are solely owned by New York City. They are neglected from the protection of underground excavation.
What message are we giving when the city takes the position that state laws do not apply to it? Let’s not wait for a disaster where there is a loss of life or tremendous property damage from an excavator hitting an unmarked or unknown underground facility. The city must participate in the one-call system to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
— Roger Sampson, Bohemia
The writer is executive director of New York 811, a nonprofit organization that links utility companies and individuals who plan to dig in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the city’s five boroughs.
Why pay more for weight-loss drugs?
Recently, two major stories about obesity have hit the news [“Obesity rate decrease,” News, Sept. 25]. More than 40% of Americans are obese and/or morbidly obese. Although new weight-loss drugs can help, they can cost Americans up to five times more what the same drugs cost in other developed countries.
What are elected officials in Washington doing to correct this absurdity so we can get Americans back on a healthy track?
— Doug Heimowitz, Jericho
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