The property in the back of mine in Easthampton has a steep 100-foot bank. At the bottom is the Manhan River. On a large part of the bank there is a dump with broken glass, rusty metal objects, who knows what kind of toxic waste is present — there’s even part of a Model T body.
Just about 15 feet away is a big area that is eroded top to bottom, which is spreading closer to the dump. The landowners have never done anything to stop this from happening, instead they are letting a developer go for a special permit to put 14 buildings on this site.
One thing I haven’t heard is who is going to remove the debris so it doesn’t end up in the river below. The property owners, the developer and city planners know there is a dump on the riverbank and still there has been no mention of cleaning it up. I’ve reached out to the EPA in Boston and am awaiting a response. I would like to know is who is responsible for cleaning up the hazardous waste before it ends up in the river.
George Boucher
Easthampton