2 Conn. cities on dirtiest cities list

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Scenic waterfronts and blue skies but Forbes Magazine is calling New Haven dirty.

"Wow," resident Linda Cypress said.

"That's pretty surprising," Mike Cavanaugh said laughing. "I mean, it's not the cleanest I've ever seen, but I wouldn't think it would be the dirtiest."

Well it's not the dirtiest. New Haven took the number 7 spot.

The ranking was done by Bert Sperling and they say it was measured by air and water qualities compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency.

They say we're breathing in what these cars and trucks on 95 and 91 leave behind.

"I live over by the new highway and the traffic is terrible. So, I know that the air quality can not be good," Cypress said.

Opus Lawrence took a deep breathe and started coughing.

"You're kidding," News 8's Stephanie Simoni said laughing.

"I'm just kidding, breathe in through your nose out through your mouth. Ah, I feel good," Lawrence said.

Now if it's any consultation for Elm City Residents, they weren't the only city on the list. Bridgeport came in at number 4.

"I'd rather live in a more rural environment, somewhere where I could go outside and not see my neighbor's house next to me and have a little peace and privacy and yeah, a cleaner environment as well," Cavanaugh said.

Not everyone is ready to pack up with him.

"I still love New Haven as far as where I come from and stuff," Lawrence said.

At least you're not in Fresno, California. They took the top spot as the dirtiest city in the country.