I continue receiving emails, phone calls and visits from neighbors showing unwavering support for immediate removal of these toxic piles from Leddy Park. While spending time with friends and families at my own neighborhood beach (Crescent Beach lies just north of Leddy Beach) I keep getting asked by parents, "Are the piles really toxic? Has it leaked into the lake? Are our children safe? Why Leddy Park?"
1. PCBs are toxic as well as carcinogenic.
2. Arsenic and other by-products of coal combustion and coal dust are toxic.
3. Workers at the Leddy Pile site visibly wear protective clothing and follow strict disposal and transport procedures for that clothing. See my previous posts.
3. The soils were extracted from the Moran Plant's EPA Brownfield Site.
4. According to an attorney familiar with these soils, in a May 15, 2015 Free Press article:
"...Burlington has also stockpiled toxic soils around town. One pile rests north of Waterfront Park, where construction on the bike path and other improvements for the city's Waterfront Access North project required excavation, said Dunkiel, the environmental lawyer. The parking lot at Leddy Park hosts another batch of dirt." Read more: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2015/05/15/vermont-contaminated-soils[...]49/
On Wednesday July 8 at 8 AM officials will meet with us at the bagel shop in Hannaford Plaza. Please visit the shop at 8 AM to voice your concern about these toxic soils. On the other hand you do not have to say anything. You do not have to actively participate. You can just quietly observe and gather and record any information being offered. A full Bagel Shop will send a strong message. On the contrary, the absence of residents at tomorrow's meeting could send the message that we don't care about these toxic soils. Simply your presence is critical because time is not on our side.
Below is a link to videos that shine more light on the nature and toxicity of PCBs and communities faced with similar PCB contamination issues.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=68f3Oxi81KE
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NKiIM6WJZfQ
Bill Burrell, MST Chemistry and Science, BA Chemistry.