A Setback For The Environment
A Setback For The Environment
To the Editor:
New legislation would have prevented the construction of a solid waste facility (SWF) on top of the Pond Brook Aquifer by providing the DEP with improved guidelines to not only consider the proposed SWF permit, but also the construction site in the context of overall state need of additional garbage and hazardous waste management.
Today, this aquifer provides drinking water for Newtown, Brookfield, and the surrounding areas and is at risk for pollution and contamination because of unregulated, garbage loading activities on site by the Housatonic Railroad Company (HRRC) and its business partner, Newtown Transload (NTL). Now, the risks are even greater because the second or third permit submitted by HRRC / NTL seeks to build a 40-foot tall facility to handle a four-fold increase in contaminated soils, spoils, construction debris and other garbage â all day, everyday in Hawleyville.Â
This bill would have not only saved time and money for taxpayers by ending the permitting process for a SWF on top of our aquifer in Hawleyville, it would have also protected potentially 19 other areas in Connecticut as referenced in her veto document. The governor cited the need to veto this bill because it was too broad and would have affected other permits. I do not see this as a negative factor, rather a positive effect shielding not only Hawleyville, but also other communities in Connecticut from environmentally dangerous businesses.
The clear call to action was to sign the bill into law and then work on the details since without a doubt, this bill by Senator McKinney and Representative Lyddy was wanted and needed by the people of Hawleyville.
The veto of this aquifer protection bill by Governor Rell is disappointing at best and at worst, a public health tragedy for our families, our homes, our town, our environment, and the people of Connecticut.
For more information, please go to dontwastehawleyville.com.
Catherine Winkler
Currituck Road, Newtown                                              June 16, 2010