A dozen residents expressed concerns Wednesday night about health problems they said could be caused by dust and debris from hundreds of Ryan Field construction vehicles on Evanston streets.

Most live in the Sherman Garden Apartments at the corner of Sherman Avenue and Emerson Street on the truck route from the construction site of the new soccer stadium.

Concerns about dust

Jane Danielson-Rickard told the Northwestern University-City Committee that the dust kicked up from the backs of empty trucks is so bad it gives her asthma attacks. She also expressed concern that the dust could cause long-term health effects such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer.

Teri Frigo said she could not use her balcony “because of the noise.”

A community representative on the committee, David Schoenfeld, said he agreed that the dust posed a “potential health risk.”

Dave Davis, Northwestern’s community liaison, said the construction management team has spoken with suppliers and asked them to cover all loaded trucks.

“No trucks should leave the construction site uncovered,” Davis said.

But residents demanded that the trucks be covered, regardless of whether they were full or empty. In some cases, it was worse with empty trucks because dust could fly out more easily.

Danielson-Rickard said she has dozens of photos of trucks driving in both directions with no covers or with torn covers.

“Every truck has to be covered,” Sherre Brutzkus said, whether it is full or not.

Ben Greenspan of Sherman Avenue said, “The dust levels are stressful.”

Greenspan’s windshield was also hit by a rock thrown from a truck, and he had to have his windshield replaced for $1,400.

Speeding trucks

Several residents also reported seeing trucks driving too fast and ignoring red lights.

Frigo said she spent 40 minutes outside one day around noon and saw 31 garbage truck drivers drive by. Two of them, she said, ran a red light.

“I just find it so dangerous,” Frigo said. “I’m worried about people’s safety.”

Evanston Police Sergeant Jeff Faison said the understaffed traffic police have only four officers, but they spend time along the truck route every day.

Faison said the EPD has issued tickets for unsecured loads, but added that they “can sit there for hours without noticing a truck speeding.”

“We’re out there, but not 24/7 at every intersection, all the time,” Faison said. “It’s a long truck route and there are a lot of trucks.”

Residents suggested possible solutions and asked if Northwestern Police could help monitor the truck route.

“I’m just not sure that’s appropriate for this particular committee,” Davis said.

They also asked whether alternative truck routes were possible to reduce the burden on residents along the current route.

“Maybe we’ll drive past the university president’s house,” Greenspan said.

Davis said the number of trucks will soon decrease as the excavation phase of the project approaches.

He also said Northwestern has partnered with a local car wash to offer car wash coupons to residents along the truck route.

Both Deputy City Manager Cárina Sanchez and Davis said truck drivers who violate the laws have been fired.

Davis said the number of truck drivers diverted for the project will likely be in the dozens. Evanston Now has asked for the exact number but has not yet received a response.

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