Lafayette Jefferson on Air and Water Pollution in Petersburg, Virginia

Petersburg advocate and resident Lafayette Jefferson discusses his concerns with plans to increase operations at the Petersburg Compressor Station. The proposal would increase pollution to the air and water and threaten the health of people nearby. Residents live less than 1,000 feet from the compressor station site.

Gas compressor stations increase emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants that exacerbate asthma and other respiratory diseases. Petersburg has the highest asthma hospitalization rate in Virginia, according to a Virginia Department of Health Study.