I am writing concerning the ongoing sand mining in Plymouth. This silica dust – emitted by sand mining – poses a threat to Southeastern Massachusetts and the public health of its residents. Sand mines are permitted in towns approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals and building inspectors in Plymouth. These permits do not require protections for the public from sand [mined] dust.
At the June 3, hearing before the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Chhavi Goekna and Benjamin Eisenbraun of Franklin Olin College of Engineering testified that dust sampling at a home in Carver shows silica dust in harmful levels. Goenka and Eisenbraun confirmed that breathing in this silica dust is medically harmful to people. It can cause what is called “black lung disease,” an inflammation and scarring of the lungs, and other medical conditions. They were testifying in support of two bills to address sand mining: House bill 948 for a one-year moratorium, and House bill 918 for a study of sand mining pollution. Although there are protections put in place for the sand miners, there currently aren’t any for the residents living nearby.
Sand mines are emitting sand that is seeping into homes and covering people’s yards. Some people cannot open their windows due to blowing sand. At the May 20 Plymouth Select Board meeting, Town Meeting member Dan Bell told the board about the sand dust he has encountered near the 71 Hedges Pond Road [business park development] under a permit granted to the Plymouth Foundation and Standish Investments. Mr. Bell stated that this sand mining operation “definitely does not look like incidental sand removal to carve out a space for the platform that would be needed for two ice skating rinks and a lumber yard.”
“And now I have to ride [with my face shielded] because of the amount of dust that gets in my eyes — both going up Hedges Pond Road and up 3A on the other side.”
The Select Board has not responded, at least not publicly.
The Town of Plymouth never required testing of sand dust at 71 Hedges Pond Road or at any other location to see if it contains medically harmful silica dust.
It is important for our town officials and legislators to support the House bills on sand mining.
– Chloe Yu
Yu is a member of the Community Land & Water Coalition.