On April 17, an article appeared in the Trumbull Times and other regional news outlets reporting that the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has found asbestos in the fill at the construction site in Trumbull Center. I want to assure residents that the safety and health of our community is one of my greatest priorities.
The Town is aware of this ongoing State investigation which is being overseen by a team comprised of DEEP and the State Department of Public Health (DPH) professionals. Although the Town has no jurisdiction over this investigation, Town officials have had ongoing communication with DEEP regarding this matter. DEEP has assured the Town that both DEEP and DPH are overseeing the investigation and monitoring all clean-up activities. They are working directly with the property owner to get this situation resolved as quickly as possible. DEEP has confirmed to the Town that the private property owner is cooperating and will fund the cleanup.
DEEP has indicated they are actively investigating but do not have a lot of information available for us at this time. At present DEEP has advised the Town that no friable materials have been identified. Friable materials would be flaky and fibrous and have the potential to be airborne. It appears currently that the materials are primarily glues and adhesives, which are not friable. We have asked the State team to keep my office informed as the investigation progresses. We have also stressed how important it is that they provide ongoing notifications to the businesses and residents in the immediate area. DEEP has confirmed to the Town this would be addressed. Further, I requested the State DEEP hold a community meeting for businesses and residents in the area to address any questions and concerns. At this time, they have not committed to do so.
The incident is unfortunate and upsetting. While it does not appear at this time that any significant public health concerns are present, the mere mention of such contaminants can be very unsettling for businesses, employees, residents, and visitors to the area. Any construction is delayed until this situation is resolved to the satisfaction of both DEEP and DPH.
As more information becomes available to the Town I will update the community. I want to personally thank the resident who filed the complaint with DEEP for helping to identify this issue.