Neighbor News
Dedham Denies Request for Public Hearing
Dedham Health Director denies request for a public hearing on the health impacts of the Dedham West Roxbury Lateral.
Residents requested that the Dedham Board of Health hold a public hearing pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Section 111 Chapter 143 in regards to the Dedham West Roxbury Lateral by Spectra Energy citing the potential health impacts of the pipeline on residents. The statue in question allows the Board of Health to consider any trade or employment that might impact the health of residents.
Construction of the pipeline began on Elm and Rustcraft Street in Dedham on Tuesday.
At a June 1st meeting sponsored by the Dedham Board of Selectmen on the pipeline, a speaker presented the following health concerns to an audience of residents:
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- The construction of compressor stations and other pipeline infrastructure exposes the populace to a constant dosage of radioactive and toxic chemicals.
- The AIM project as currently envisioned will emit 190 tons per year of nitrous oxide and 12.4 tons per year of sulfur oxide. Both cause adverse respiratory ailments and increased asthma symptoms. Formaldehyde causes eye and nose irritations, and is the likely cause of nosebleeds experienced by children living near compressor stations. It is considered a likely carcinogen.
- Citizens living near compressor stations have repeatedly exhibited acute symptoms such as nose bleeds, sore throats, rashes, headaches, dizziness, nausea, depression, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat and the list goes on. Ninety percent of individuals living and working within 2-3 miles of compressor stations report experiencing odor events and health impacts.
Despite being informed at a meeting sponsored by the town of potential health costs, the Health Director assures residents there are no health impacts of the project.
Cathy Cardinale, Dedham’s Health Director indicated in her response to residents, “Having consulted with Town Counsel, it is my opinion that this project does not meet the criteria for a so-called site assignment hearing pursuant to G.L. c.111, s.143. My understanding is that the pipeline as it passes through the Town of Dedham will be a completely sealed and underground pipe, with no valves, compressor stations, or other appurtenances located within the Town that could cause or contribute to any of the injurious or nuisance effects typically associated with the operation of trades or employments subject to this statute. Further, I am not aware of any evidence that the pipeline will not function as designed and thus pose a danger to public health in that manner. “ She further indicates that the request is to be forwarded to the Board of Health for consideration.
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Given the opposition to the project by the Dedham Board of Selectmen at the June 10th meeting, residents were surprised to learn that the town personnel would not grant such a request. The town of Deerfield’s Board of Health found the in installation of a similar project in their town to have severe health costs to its residents. Interested parties can view the Deerfield decision at http://www.deerfieldma.us/pages/DeerfieldMA_Health/Index. Though the documentation references Kinder Morgan’s safety record, Spectra Energy has a similar list of well-documented safety concerns. In addition, the potential gas leaks and other accidents have had significant health costs.
Dedham residents, ask the Dedham Health Director to forward your requests for a public hearing on the Dedham West Roxbury Lateral to the full Board of Health pursuant to state law. Include the Board of Selectmen who indicated their opposition to the pipeline because of its economic, health, and environmental impacts to the town.
Contact Information:
Cathy Cardinale, Dedham Health Director, ccardinale@dedham-ma.gov
The Board of Selectmen can be reached at the following emails:
