To the Editor:

I have canvassed the neighborhood outside of the Northampton Generating Plant. Although most people were either not home or didn't answer the door, probably thinking I was selling something, I did obtain over 50 signatures from families concerned about the emissions and the request to allow more lead emissions into the air by the plant.

I will continue to reach other families. Another neighbor, not knowing I was also gathering signatures, is going door to door for even more signatures.

I understand lead levels in the air may lead to neurological impairment including autism. My 3-year-old granddaughter who lives a mile from the plant was diagnosed last fall with autism. In meeting new families throughout the neighborhood today, I discovered six other children who live even closer to the plant are autistic.

When is someone going to wake up and stop these companies from polluting the air where our families are trying to live and raise healthy children? When will someone help us?

Northampton Area High School and Middle School are about one mile from the plant. Along with the schools are playgrounds and football, track and other sport fields. Why does the plant believe raising the emissions won't hurt our children?

They were fined in the past for air quality violations. Is the tax money profiting the township and borough worth our children's health? Ask my granddaughter...oh, she won't be able to answer; she barely speaks, being autistic.

I wonder how the managers and owners of the generating plant would feel if their homes were showered with toxic waste or their children had neurological impairment as a result of these toxins as our children do.

Please contact Raymond Kempa, PE, environmental group manager, Air Quality Program, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or call 570-826-2511. Ask for a public hearing to get all the facts and learn how toxic the air really is that we are breathing.

Rosemary Rossner

Northampton