Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) contractors again used a curing agent on new Beach Road sidewalks that may pose a hazard to the marine environment.
As the Times previously reported, a safety data sheet for the product states it shouldn’t be allowed to reach sewerage systems or “any water course,” and if it does, “respective authorities” should be informed.
The bluish product was sprayed onto new sidewalks last fall, and then power washed off to create a pebbly texture to sidewalk surface, in accord with specs the town wanted. MassDOT previously said it used absorbent pads and silt sacks to keep the substance out of the town’s drainage system.
“The residual cement paste and sand was cleaned by hand shoveling and mechanically sweeping the roadway gutter upon completion for the power washing,” MassDOT spokesperson Judith Reardon Riley wrote at the time.
Reardon Riley confirmed the same product is being used presently as contractors pour sidewalks on the Lagoon Pond side of Beach Road.
“MassDOT is cognizant of the potential environmental impacts of this product,” Reardon Riley wrote this week. “This method of sidewalk was requested by the town of Tisbury to meet local specifications. We are confident that adherence to construction best practices, proven experience with containment operations, and onsite inspection and oversight continue to support the safe application of the product at this location.”
On April 6, a MassDOT contractor could be seen power washing away the curing agent and a veneer of concrete in the rain. A nearby storm drain appeared clogged, and was swallowed up by a puddle. No effort to clean up the water or control where it flowed or splashed was evident.
“Potential pollutant”? Really, this stuff has a skull and crossbones on the labeling. Nothing “potential” about it–It’s a pollutant, and it has gotten into the marine environment.
Is anyone surprised ? They completely disregarded this issue the last time this happened, and apparently had no consequence. So why would they not do it again ?
The article makes it clear that this is all being done according to specifications mandated by the town’s spineless officials.
But no problem, town officials drive electric cars, and nobody fishes in the harbor.
I’m sure none of this stuff will ever get anywhere near the drawbridge, where people actually fish, or into the lagoon where there are shellfish beds.
One frequent commenter here stated just a few days ago that ” Chemicals are an integral part of life.” I have to agree that is a true statement — So why not just throw them anywhere we feel like and kill a few fish, or put a little poison into our children’s bodies ? We’re all gonna die anyway —
I guess if you have the “right” kind of mentality. you think it’s worth it to have those little stones showing in the sidewalk as you drive by in your SUV.
I for one, do not.
Cmon Keller. Are you familiar with parts per billion? You can die drinking too much water. Your indignation is not credible.
Cmon Andy–You know about chemicals. One milligram of ricin can kill a 180 lb. person in 3 days. Your lack of concern for anything environmental is deplorable .
…On April 6, a MassDOT contractor could be seen power washing away the curing agent and a veneer of concrete in the rain. A nearby storm drain appeared clogged and was swallowed up by a puddle. No effort to clean up the water or control where it flowed or splashed was evident.”
NO ‘ON-SITE INSPECTION AND OVERSIGHT TO SUPPORT THE SAFE APPLICATION OF THE PRODUCT and NO CONTAINMENT OPERATIONS’….as MA DOT Reardon Riley promised!
I am wondering who is to be held accountable for the selection of this toxic choice of surfacing, for the 2nd time (!)….and who is to be held accountable for the now evident fact that the toxic chemical has drained into our lagoon and surrounding waters? And what consequences will be set for this negligence? This is so unacceptable and was so avoidable!
Do not wait! If you live there today…….run away………the world is ending……oh…..and I’ll buy your property for assessed value……..just a nice guy.
John– There are plenty of places where you can buy polluted properties.
If you think glow in the dark playgrounds are cool, you can buy cheap housing almost anywhere in the country and have your kids play in them. You are free to do that.
But is it asking too much to have a few places that aren’t polluted by greedy oligarchs and corrupt or incompetent politicians ?
Some of us care about the health of our children and grandchildren.
Here are some suggestions as to where you can buy cheap properties:
https://www.google.com/search?q=map+of+superfund+sites&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&vet=1&fir=gdCr4krJQKUhXM%252CIhTv9xDF37MDlM%252C_%253BcWsYWMxAgHMkAM%252CgOoaWW0UT2O5xM%252C_%253B3r41tTwtB4fRoM%252CfdhUeXPkkJ_L2M%252C_%253BgaLp_JfCkiBsvM%252C-InHYBm3nbe66M%252C_%253BHAPJW_aTDJkuUM%252CfqC_KRkUs5RqCM%252C_%253BMUxeThKtlKLoDM%252CBEAf_xF6YMBrBM%252C_%253B9hmBna5WQOqYOM%252C1epU35ICHqEMlM%252C_%253B_Yu2-MFyygZBBM%252Cf-ryC_wEPflNHM%252C_%253BfunWAsQgWzA2-M%252CTFkSStowQ4HGoM%252C_%253BsTigxKCNCg26fM%252CeFWr0E5k8sduJM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kT6uglwE5sslysJiJkIpKUkB91XFQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiBt9fZuor3AhVineAKHZrZAS8Q9QF6BAgtEAE#imgrc=3r41tTwtB4fRoM
What would have happened without the Tisbury Select Board oversite?
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