UPDATE: Important public meetings regarding the Housatonic River remediation plan are set for December 2 and December 3, 2023, providing critical opportunities for community engagement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and General Electric (GE) staff will be present to answer pressing questions about the ongoing cleanup efforts of this contaminated waterway.
The Housatonic Citizens Coordinating Committee (CCC) will hold a meeting on December 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum auditorium in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, as well as online. This session aims to discuss the Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) and various proposals from CCC members, including updates on the hydraulic dredging plan and a controversial report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). The report claimed no link between river toxins and cancer rates among local residents, which has sparked significant community concern.
Joshua Bloom, a CCC member, has requested that state health officials participate in the meeting for transparency on this matter. A public Q&A will follow the presentations, allowing residents to voice their concerns directly to the experts.
Following this, an open house is scheduled for December 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lee Middle and High School cafeteria, located at 300 Greylock Street in Lee. This event will provide residents with the chance to interact with EPA and GE staff, inquire about the Upland Disposal Facility (UDF) plans, and learn about the remediation process that is expected to unfold over the next 13 years.
The EPA has reduced the frequency of CCC meetings this year but has committed to hosting more public sessions. These open houses aim to enhance community involvement in the remediation process, addressing local concerns about health and safety as dredging and disposal activities progress.
Residents of the Housatonic River area are encouraged to attend both events to stay informed and participate in discussions that affect their community directly. The involvement of local officials and health experts is crucial in ensuring that the remediation project is executed safely and effectively.
For those interested in attending the CCC meeting, registration can be completed online. More details about the remediation program and the agenda for the meetings are available on the EPA’s website.
These meetings mark a pivotal moment for the community and the ongoing efforts to rectify the environmental damage caused by decades of industrial pollution. Stay tuned for updates as these events unfold and more information becomes available.
