UPDATE: Two critical public meetings are scheduled for the first week of December regarding the ongoing remediation efforts at the Housatonic River, heavily impacted by decades of toxic waste disposal by General Electric (GE). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced these sessions to engage residents in discussions about the health and safety implications of the cleanup plan.
The first event, a Citizens Coordinating Committee (CCC) meeting, is set for December 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Berkshire Athenaeum auditorium, One Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, and virtually. This meeting will focus on significant topics, including the latest data on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in the river, and community input on the ongoing Superfund actions.
The CCC was established in 1998 to facilitate stakeholder engagement in the Housatonic River cleanup. Community member Joshua Bloom from Lee has requested the presence of state health officials following a controversial report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) that allegedly found no link between toxins and cancer rates among local residents.
Following the presentations, there will be a public Q&A session, allowing residents to express their concerns and gather more information directly from EPA officials and GE representatives.
On December 3, an open house will be hosted at the Lee Middle and High School cafeteria, 300 Greylock Street, from 5 to 8 p.m.. This event will allow residents to interact directly with EPA and GE staff, who will provide insights on the Upland Disposal Facility (UDF) plans, construction updates, and improvements aimed at reducing project-related truck traffic.
The remediation process is expected to span a total of 13 years, making these discussions especially vital for local residents concerned about their health and the environmental impact of the cleanup efforts.
The EPA has reduced the frequency of CCC meetings from four to two annually, but officials have pledged to enhance public engagement through events like the upcoming open house.
Residents are encouraged to register for the CCC meeting to ensure their voices are heard and to stay informed about the project’s progress. More details on the remediation efforts can be found on the EPA’s official website.
These meetings represent a crucial opportunity for community members to engage with the agencies responsible for their health and environment. Don’t miss this chance to learn more and voice your concerns.
