People are understandably concerned about the report of radiation detected at our transfer station. I would like everyone to know that the transfer station is safe, as are the people who use it and work there, and there is no hazard to the public. We have been in communication with DEEP about this issue.
No radioactive material is permitted at the transfer station, even in harmless quantities or types. The final waste disposal facility cannot accept the material, so our waste trailers are set aside until the radioactive material is found and removed, and then the rest of the waste is handled as usual. Unfortunately, this process takes several days, which means we lose the use of the trailer during this time.
In order to prevent further disruption of operations, we are implementing a screening system at the transfer station. We are balancing respect for the time of residents using the transfer station while helping reduce the risk of further problems at the disposal facility. We will evaluate the process next week.
Tim O'Neil
Southbury First Selectman