COMMENT February 26, 2014
A move in the wrong direction
Easing the standards for acceptable levels of pollutants in the soil, as proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“State is easing rules for some pollutants,” Feb. 23, A1), is a step in the wrong direction. Contaminated soil poses a real public health hazard. During October and November of 2012, 2,300 cubic yards (or 3,510 tons) of oil-contaminated soil were excavated, stockpiled, and transported from the site of the new Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical High School in Danvers. During November and December of that year, nearly a dozen Essex Aggie and North Shore Tech students sought medical attention for the sudden appearance of chronic hiccups. To this day, the vocal tics remain a mystery. However, a distinct possibility is neurological or respiratory irritation caused by exposure to the contaminated soil. Dangerous vapors and/or airborne particles may have been inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the students’ skin. In this age of environmental enlightenment, scientific evidence—not deep pockets—should guide regu-lation of toxic chemicals such as petroleum hydrocarbons, arsenic, and lead. Risk reduction through more rigorous regulation is not only warranted but imperative.