URGENT UPDATE: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled two critical public events next week regarding the ongoing remediation of the Housatonic River, a project that addresses decades of toxic pollution from General Electric (GE). The first event is a meeting on December 2, 2023, aimed at providing stakeholders with essential updates about the remediation plan and allowing direct interaction with officials.
The meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum auditorium, located at One Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, and will also be accessible online. This gathering is particularly significant as it will focus on the Technical Assistance Grant (TAG), which supports community participation in Superfund actions like the Rest of River program.
Local residents have expressed strong concerns about the remediation’s impact on health and safety, especially regarding the dredging of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that GE discharged into the river for decades. The upcoming meeting will address key topics, including new data on PCB concentrations in fish and living organisms, along with updates on hydraulic dredging plans.
Joshua Bloom, a member of the Housatonic Citizens Coordinating Committee (CCC), has requested that state health officials participate in the discussion, following a controversial report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that found no direct correlation between river toxins and cancer rates among local residents. A public Q&A session will follow the meeting, providing a platform for community concerns.
On December 3, 2023, an open house event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lee Middle and High School cafeteria, located at 300 Greylock Street in Lee. This event will allow residents to engage with EPA and GE staff directly, asking questions and exploring various topics related to the Upland Disposal Facility (UDF) plans. This open house format includes multiple stations focused on site preparation, construction, water treatment, and improvements designed to reduce truck traffic associated with the project.
The entire remediation plan is projected to take approximately 13 years, making these discussions vital for the community’s future. With local residents actively seeking answers and transparency, the upcoming meetings are critical opportunities for stakeholders to voice their concerns and hold officials accountable.
As the situation develops, the community is encouraged to attend and participate in these essential discussions to ensure their voices are heard. For more information on the remediation program and to register for the events, residents can visit the EPA’s official site.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
