In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding contamination from 1,4-dioxane near a landfill property. Alan Russo, a community member, alerted officials to monitoring reports indicating the presence of this carcinogenic chemical in four monitoring wells and a nearby pond, located approximately 1,200 feet from the landfill. Russo emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that 1,4-dioxane is known for its rapid movement through soil, which could pose serious health risks to the surrounding community.

The board acknowledged the issue, with discussions highlighting the need for comprehensive testing and the hiring of a licensed site professional to assess the extent of the contamination. Russo expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the source of the dioxane, questioning whether it could be linked to a liner leak at the landfill.

Despite the board's previous discussions on the matter, including at three health meetings, there appeared to be a communication gap regarding the urgency of the contamination issue. Officials noted that they had not received formal notification from the Board of Health, which raised concerns about the potential risks to public health.

The meeting underscored the importance of timely communication and action in addressing environmental hazards, as community members await further information and clarity on the steps being taken to mitigate the contamination risk.