March 23, 2012

REP. JOHNSON SAYS PROGRESS IS BEING MADE ON
UCONN WASTE STORAGE FACILITY

State Representative Susan Johnson announced that she has been in touch with University of Connecticut (UConn) President Susan Herbst regarding the university’s waste transfer station and believes progress is being made.

“I appreciate President Herbst’s prompt response to my inquiries. She—unlike previous UConn administrations—appears to understand the seriousness of this issue,” said Johnson.

Johnson contacted Herbst last month after hearing from residents concerned about the impact the waste storage facility might be having on Windham’s drinking water and environment.

Last week, UConn announced that it will be conducting an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) to assess the current site and look at alternatives. Johnson said Herbst has also assigned the University’s Chief Operating Officer, Barry Feldman, as the school’s point person for this issue.

There was no Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or input from municipal agencies or residents when UConn originally established the waste transfer station in 1989. The facility is used to store chemical, low-level radioactive and biological waste generated by the school.

Johnson, who chairs Windham’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission, explained that since UConn is not a private waste company or a public water company it was not legally required to perform an environmental evaluation before erecting the waste station.

“It’s not clear that this facility would have been approved because of the impact it could have on our drinking water, but I’m optimistic that we can finally work things out with the University and ensure that our drinking water is safe,” said Johnson.