(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

MEPA waiver filing

To the Editor,

I would like to make sure that you and your readers are aware of an important recent waiver filing which was made by Union Square Station Associates (US2), the city-designated master developer for the massive redevelopment planned for the Union Square area.  US2 has applied for a “Phase One” waiver from regulations specified in the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), which, if granted, would enable that organization to start construction at a time of their choosing on the parcel of land referred to as “D2,” located at the intersection of Somerville Ave. and Prospect Street immediately adjacent to the new MBTA Green Line station presently under construction, with no further public review.

I and at least some of my fellow members of the Union Square Neighborhood Council feel there is substantial reason for serious concern about the granting of such a waiver.  Our analysis indicates that this waiver would in effect provide an exemption from further public process with regard to whatever environmental study of and remediation on the D2 site might be performed.  Our concern relates to the fact that there is serious toxic contamination on the site due to historic uses of the property for industrial purposes, including the siting of a barrel factory, which was the source of a number of hazardous chemicals.  My understanding is that though even if the waiver is granted, the developer would remain subject to environmental regulations, members of the public would no longer be able to voice whatever concerns they might have with an expectation of being able to influence what takes place on the site.  There are other reasons for concern as well, which can be inferred from the contents of the application (linked from the web page mentioned below), if appropriate regulations are not applied and made subject to full public review prior to the start of construction, which, according to my own present  understanding, appears to be possible.

I was among those who filled the Academy Room at the Public Safety Building last Thursday, August 2 for a public consultation where there were presentations by a representative of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office and Union Square Station Associates (US2), the city-designated master developer for  redevelopment in Union Square.  Some of that event was video recorded.

For more information about this important matter and information about online viewing of the video, please see http://tinyurl.com/usq-mepa .

Thank you,

Gary Trujillo