Materials used in the construction process can affect water quality, and render the nearby waterways uninhabitable by wildlife.

As the New York State Thruway Authority proceeds with plans to rehabilitate the Tappan Zee Bridge and the New York State Thruway, environmentalists want related environmental concerns addressed as well. Accordingly, the Rockland County Legislature Environmental Committee voted unanimously to request that the Department of Transportation address runoff concerns as it proceeds with the project, according to the Journal News.

Runoff containing brake fluid, gasoline, antifreeze and road salt is flushed into the Hudson River, wetlands and drinking water aquifers, posing serious environmental and health risks, especially to the large population of aquatic life in the region.

The Legislature's Environmental Committee recommended treating runoff through the use of sand traps, catch basins and porous pavement surfaces that catch polluted runoff and absorb contaminants. Sometime in May the state will announce the bridge's future and will provide opportunity for public comments.

Click here to learn more about the Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Environmental Review.