How could it be that Binghamton, New York is able to find the money to transport water to Dimock, Pennsylvania, but can't seem to find cash on hand to fix a heating system The Greenman Senior Center. Who is he representing exactly.
In case you missed it the EPA recently sent a letter to Dimock residents that states that affected well water is safe and doesn't pose a risk to human health. While I am at it, how is it that suddenly the EPA and DEC are political pawns doing dirty deeds for the political enemy and are no longer to be trusted. Regardless, here is the letter.
Dear Dimock Residents,This email is a follow-up to the visits to Dimock area homes by EPA on November 10, 2011 and the subsequent review of well sampling data for wells impacted by the Cabot Oil and Gas Company drilling activities. EPA has conducted a preliminary review and screening of the data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and residents. While we are continuing our review, to date, the data does not indicate that the well water presents an immediate health threat to users. EPA will continue to review available information related to the concerns of Dimock area residents. We are continuing to work with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania going forward on this issue.
Please feel free to call me or David Polish, Community Involvement Coordinator, at (215) 814-3327, if you have further questions.
Sincerely,Trish Taylor,
Community Involvement CoordinatorHazardous Site Cleanup Division (Mailcode 3HS52)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 31650
Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA., 19103
phone: (215) 814 – 5539
fax: (215) 814 – 3015
So why all the bluff and bravado from Mayor Ryan? My guess is that he has ulterior motives. Seems before politics he fancied himself something of an environmental lawyer.
Binghamton lies in the heart of the Southern Tier of New York. It has been depressed economically for years and this fall saw some of the worst flooding in its history. Surely there are better things to spend valuable taxpayer money on than shipping water to Pennsylvania. It appears Mayor Ryan is more interested in pushing his narrow environmental agenda than representing the good people of Binghamton and leading the city to recovery.
Just as a quick follow-up to your astute review of the situation regarding Mayor Ryan's offer to Dimock, he made an appearance at the Township Supervisor's meeting on Monday night (Dec. 5). His reception was an icy greeting by the other residents and his offer unanimously denied by the town's supervisors. I'm sure they will be the next to be added to the list of the alleged people who have been "paid off" and as you said, not to be trusted.
ReplyDeleteDimock is not a toxic wasteland and we are tired of being used by organizations and politicians to further their anti-drill agendas.
NEPAgal, thanks for the update. I knew he was planning a meeting down there and had heard that it didn't go as well as he perhaps thought it would. Hoping to post something on this later.
ReplyDeleteIf you have inside info you would like to share feel free to email me the details: unlikelyhospitalist01 at gmail dot com