This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

The First Obligation

The massive recycling dump fire that broke out in Willimantic last month provided enough evidence that the proposal to construct a humongous recycling dump on Route 145 in Clinton, adjacent an established residential neighborhood, is horrible.

It took 200 firefighters from 14 fire companies, a hazardous material team, and 2.5 million gallons of water to battle the Willimantic fire. Dark smoke engulfed the town. Public schools and Eastern Connecticut State University had to be closed. Residents were encouraged to close all windows.

This certainly wasn’t a rare occurrence. Just two years ago, a massive fire broke out at the recycling dump in Essex, requiring hundreds of firefighters from 15 fire companies. That fire burned for days, sending dark smoke billowing through that town. Is this what we want in Clinton?

The application indicates 100 truckloads of material would be brought into this recycling dump every day, by truck and by rail. We certainly don’t want this kind of industrial traffic, so close to our historic district, our downtown and our beaches.

A recent article [“Railside Recycling Facility Proposal Returns to Clinton,” Feb. 1] spoke of an appeal, whereby it was determined the applicant could rebuild a warehouse. However, the court did not say the applicant could build a recycling dump. A warehouse and a recycling dump are two very different uses. No court has ever found that a recycling dump could be built at that proposed location.

The first obligation of all our elected officials is to protect our residents. But can we count on our elected officials to do the right thing and deny this horrible application? Of course not.

I encourage everyone to attend all public hearings of this application. We must tell our elected officials, in no uncertain terms, we are completely opposed to this horrible plan.

Vincent Cimino

Clinton