Letter: Thank You for Mill River Remediation Advocacy

To First Selectman Mike Tetreau, State Senator John McKinney, State Representatives Brenda Kupchick, Kim Fawcett, Tony Hwang, and RTM Member Atty. Kathryn Braun:

Thank you all for your continuing support of the Mill River cleanup. The meeting in Hartford with the DEEP at your request was an important step in assuring that state agencies listen to Fairfield’s concerns and to hold those responsible for the contamination accountable. It is a bipartisan effort that we can all be proud of.

Most important, creating momentum for a movement to protect our natural resources sends a clear message that Fairfield is watching now. Our previous administration seriously undermined our own Conservation Department’s mandate and credibility. You have taken a giant step toward changing that perception.

If we learned anything from the Metro Center, it is that railroading remediation through was extremely costly to Fairfield’s taxpayers. It may have sacrificed the overall health of our land and citizens. Developing commercial space to offset residential homeowners’ tax burden is crucial. I believe it will happen soon on properly remediated land and not at taxpayer expense.

All of you should be commended for taking the long view and having the courage to challenge the DEEP’s short-sighted plan -- one that was likely to circumvent any future input from the town.

My greatest hope is that as interveners Fairfield’s citizens will not settle for anything less than due process and a clean river. Best practice should be upheld by the DEEP, remediation should be done well and done once. It must be paid for by those who are responsible for the contamination.

As a life-long resident of Fairfield and witness to every shortcut taken to move the Metro Center forward without regard to the consequences, I am grateful and relieved that you have  made an exceptional effort in assuring that we get it right this time.

Sincerely,

Amy Mezoff

RTM District 4