If you oppose the turf field project and want to voice your opposition to the town council and school committee, here is a template letter that can be sent to the town clerks.
Town Council Clerk: vmartin@burrillville.org
School Committee Clerk: calapaij@bsd-ri.net
Dear Town Council Members,
I would like to begin this letter by acknowledging and
thanking you for your dedication and involvement in the town of Burrillville.
None of you would be in the seats you are in if you did not care deeply about
the town, its wellbeing, and our community. The hours you spend on community
events, town council meetings, social outreach programs, special meetings, budget
reviews, and planning are a testament to your unwavering commitment and belief
that Burrillville is truly a special place that we should all be proud to live
in.
As a member of that community, I would be remiss if I did
not express my concern about the installation of an artificial turf field at
the high school. As a resident who values the health and well-being of our citizens
and the environment, I feel compelled to voice my worries about the potential
risks associated with this project. PFAS have been linked to a variety of
adverse health effects, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility,
and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease. These substances are known
for their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in
living organisms. The installation of an artificial turf field, which has been
proven to contain these chemicals, presents a significant threat to our local
water, especially considering its placement is located directly above the
aquifer which is the source of our last safe water supply. Contamination of
this vital resource would have far-reaching consequences, impacting the health
of our residents which Burrillville unfortunately knows all too well.
The long-term environmental impacts of PFAS contamination
are well-documented. Once these chemicals enter the groundwater, they are
extremely difficult and costly to remove. Considering the potential health and
financial burdens, it is imperative that we take a precautionary approach and
avoid introducing PFAS into our environment in the first place.
Since the original plans for the field were discussed many
years ago, there has been much more research into PFAS and their impact on the
environment and our bodies. RI
S2152, better known as the Comprehensive PFAS Ban Act of 2024, which was
passed into law on June 26, 2024 and prohibits the intentional addition of
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in products including artificial
turf, represents only the most recent legislation. As more studies are
performed, we may find that the state-of-the-art turf field we were so eager to
install will become state’s evidence in upcoming class-action lawsuits.
Companies like FieldTurf will inevitably file for bankruptcy leaving the town
to shoulder the financial burden of cleanup and remediation.
I urge the Town Council to reconsider the installation of
the artificial turf field and instead explore safer alternatives that do not
pose a threat to our water supply and public health. Natural grass fields would
provide a safe and sustainable solution for our community's recreational needs.
I am confident that the Town Council shares my commitment to
protecting the health and well-being of our residents and preserving the
natural resources that sustain our community. I respectfully request that you
prioritize these values in your decision-making process and take the necessary
steps to ensure the safety of our water supply and our citizens.
I would like this letter to be included in the public record
at the special meeting. My address is [YOUR ADDRESS]
Regards,
[YOUR NAME]
No comments:
Post a Comment