Recently, it was revealed that public works officials illegally dumped toxic waste on town-owned land. They then used soil associated with this waste as fill material in town projects, such as the improvement of Gould Manor Park. This being a significant news story, I thought I'd sum up what we know so far.
Here are some of the facts involved in this case.
- In 2013, a company known as "Julian Development" was awarded a three-year contract to manage Fairfield's waste pile.
- Town officials used contaminated materials from the waste pile as topsoil for various town properties. These properties include Gould Manor Park, as well as fields at several public schools.
- The Superintendent of Public Works has been fired, and another senior official has been placed on leave. In addition, the State's Attorney is pursuing criminal charges against Julian Development, as well as certain town officials. (1)
- Through the environmental firm of "Tighe & Bond", various sites are being tested for soil contamination.
- Four out of the nine sites already tested are contaminated, and will require remediation. These sites include Gould Manor Park, Jennings School, Mill Hill School, and Riverfield School.
- Remaining school athletic fields have been closed for testing. The Board of Education will decide when these fields are re-opened.
- Contamination notwithstanding, the First Selectman's Office has remarked that athletic fields "have low levels of contamination", and are "safe". (2)
- Evidence shows that the town may have known about this issue as early as 2014, yet done nothing about it. (3)
- A check of related documents reveals that the town has a lease with Julian Developments regarding a building belonging to the Board of Education. This monthly lease continues to be in place, even after the filing of criminal charges against Julian. (4)
- This is not the first scandal involving current First Selectman Michael Tetreau. Last year, a matter arose involving the composition of the Board of Selectmen (with the resignation of a selectwoman from the GOP, the town tried to force a special election. This was ruled improper by state courts). (5)
Now, some personal questions that I have on this matter.
First, if athletic fields are "safe", as the First Selectman's office claims, then why is it necessary for these fields to be "remediated"? You don't fix a problem that doesn't exist....SHADY!!
Second, the First Selectman is responsible for the oversight of all town-related departments. How could he have not known about this situation months/years ago? Basically, what did the First Selectman know, and when did he know it?
Finally, why is it that the town is maintaining a lease with Julian Developments, even after formal criminal charges have been filed against that company? Wouldn't it be better for the town to sever all ties with Julian?
It goes without saying that this "toxic" scandal is big news, and developing by the day. I'll keep you posted on any and all significant happenings in this case.
Sources:
1. Fairfield Citizen (2019). Tetreau issues update on park safety, fill pile in Fairfield. [online] Available at: https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Tetreau-issues-update-on-park-safety-fill-pile-14396945.php [Accessed 29 Aug. 2019].
2. Scharf, R. (2019). Contaminants found at three of eight school sites. Fairfield Citizen. [online] Available at: https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Map-Contaminants-found-at-three-of-eight-school-14376277.php [Accessed 29 Aug. 2019].
3. Personal knowledge.
3. Personal knowledge.
4. Scharf, R. (2019). Fairfield continues to rent from Julian amid criminal case. Fairfield Citizen. [online] Available at: https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Fairfield-continues-to-rent-from-Julian-amid-14291172.php [Accessed 29 Aug. 2019].
5. Personal knowledge.
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