HEAT Circulates Petition To ‘Stop Pollution’ And Save Environment, Health

By Kendra Bobowick

“Rise to the challenge — the time to act is now!” declares grassroots activist group member’s appeal for signatures to an online petition.

Hawleyville Environmental Advocacy Team’s (HEAT) urge for support that came in an email notice Thursday, September 10, seeks supporters “to stop the pollution…by the Housatonic Railroad…we demand remediation of our wetlands and the removal of fill that has been dumped…on our water source…” The online petition touts “the fundamental human right…to breathe clean air, drink clean, fresh water, and live in a community where every individual’s health and safety are equally protected.”

Plans for possible expansions at the Housatonic Railroad’s 30 Hawleyville Road transfer station facility have in past months prompted public outcry and intervention from HEAT, who along with town agencies have gained the attention of state officials including Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has also stepped in to oppose the railroad’s expansions noting in one letter earlier in the summer that he “shares your questions and concerns.”

Since HEAT posted the petition on September 10, HEAT member Terry Laslo said last Friday afternoon, that as many as 100 signatures had come within 24 hours. “It has taken off,” she said. As of late this week, the petition had roughly 186 signatures. The issue surrounding the railroad and its application before the Department of Environmental Protection, which names a potentially larger facility that accepts a broader array of materials, is one point of concern, while possible wetlands violations cited by the town are another. “It’s complicated,” Ms Laslo admitted, but important.

The petition will be up on the HEAT website at DontWasteHawleyville.com “Until this issue is resolved,” she said. Visitors to this website will find a post for “How to Help,” under which the first listing is “Sign Petition.” As stated in the recent letter indicating the now circulating online petition, residents without computers can contact the attorney general, DEP representative Robert Eisner, Governor Jodi Rell, Congressman Chris Murphy, and Senator Chris Dodd.

Electronically signed petitions also will be forwarded to the politicians. Resident and supporter Gina Wolfman (see related story) also urges people to sign this petition.