I (we) are petitioning you to prohibit Indiana Research Institute (IRI) from testing engines at their Hutchins Ave. site or any site near homes or people due to unacceptable dangers:

Ø I believe testing engines (300, 600,1500 horsepower) endangers the health of my family, neighbors and myself; degrades air quality,  lowers property values and degrades the quality of life to which I am entitled as a citizen.

Ø IRI will have the authority to test 18 engines, 24 hrs/day, 365 days, burning annually 2,286,360 gals  of diesel/jet fuel annually. "EMISSIONS ARE UNCONTROLLED AND EXHAUST TO STACKS.."  It is unacceptable to permit these toxins to go into the air we breathe.  Lung Association confirms the dangers.

Ø It is unacceptable that IRI will be authorized to exhaust annually by IRI's estimates 245 tons of Nitrous Oxide (NOx) and other Hazardous Air Pollutants: Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, Acrolein, Butadiene into the air and dispersed on my property, family and community.

     However, independent professionals estimate it is more likely to be 600 TONs of NOx & 7 additional Hazardous Air Pollutants that will be emitted.

Ø Airborne emissions can float great distances and are linked to causing cancer, lung diseases, contributing to heart disease and many other dangerous-fatal diseases and health issues.

Ø I do not want the intrusion of engine smoke, odors and loud engine noises in my community disrupting the peace and harmony to which I am entitled.

Ø  I do not want the dangers of large tanker fuel trucks frequently traveling our neighborhood streets.  One error in handling fuels, or on-site fuel tank leaks could result in a catastrophic event.  Can IRI guarantee this will never happen?

I believe the solution is for IRI to relocate this dangerous business operation to a "people free safe area" outside of Columbus.  IRI owns just such a site of 9 1/2 acres north of Columbus in a rural setting.   

At a minimum I call on the Columbus Leaders and Authority to prohibit the testing of engines at the Hutchins Ave site. 

My signature is below: