We join those congratulating the Easthampton Board of Health. As evidenced by its decision to involve all its members before taking action, this board of local health professionals has been extremely diligent in thoughtfully considering the public health concerns set out in a request for an assessment by the statewide Massachusetts Association of Health Boards.
The requested comprehensive health assessment, signed by 69 (and counting) Massachusetts communities, relates to assessing potential health-related impacts involving exposure to the substances contained in the gas we use at home, including the methane gas derived from fracking. This assessment should help us better understand the risks, as well as any measures gas customers and others can take to possibly mitigate such risks, before further expansion of gas use is undertaken in any community.
Amy Landau, Connie Dawson
and Stephen Linsky
Easthampton