Investigator Lowney questions city funding for Lewiston Street incinerator safety upgrades

During the recent Fall River City Council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the management of hazardous materials at the incinerator located at 10 Lewiston Street. Private investigator Lowney presented findings that suggest hazardous toxins and chemicals may have been improperly disposed of in the facility. This revelation has prompted urgent questions about the safety and environmental implications for the surrounding community.

Lowney highlighted that the city has earmarked over $16 million in American Rescue Plan Act (APA) funds for upgrades to the incinerator, specifically referencing line items APA 64 and 64A. He questioned whether the city had adequately assessed the potential contamination of the site before allocating these funds. Key inquiries included whether the incinerator had been decontaminated, if local residents and businesses were informed of any hazards, and whether the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had been notified.

The investigator's comments raised alarms about the city's transparency and accountability regarding the handling of hazardous materials. He urged the city council to freeze the allocation of APA funds until these critical questions are addressed, emphasizing that taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of rectifying any hazardous conditions that may have been knowingly overlooked.

In response to these concerns, a council member noted that a resolution related to this issue would be discussed at the upcoming June 10 meeting, indicating that the council is taking steps to address the situation. The discussions at this meeting underscore the importance of environmental safety and the need for responsible governance in managing public health risks. As the city moves forward, the implications of these findings could have lasting effects on community trust and environmental policy in Fall River.