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The letter below was provided to the CPNA by Council President Flynn which was sent to the city regarding the partial collapse at the Edison Plant.
May 9, 2022
Rev. Mariama White-Hammond
Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space
1 City Hall Square, Room 709
Boston, MA, 02201
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu
Executive Director, Boston Public Health Commission
1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Dear Chief White-Hammond and Dr. Ojikutu:
We are writing in regards to the recent partial collapse at the Edison Power Plant in South
Boston and the need for ongoing air quality testing due to the presence of asbestos in the
building. At the time of the incident, we understand that environmental health inspectors
responded to the scene, and their initial assessment indicated that there appeared to be no
significant environmental hazard to the surrounding areas. We were informed that this
was due to the asbestos being within the building itself, and that there is containment and
ventilation in place.
However, residents of South Boston have historically associated this site with high rates
of cancer, lupus, scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases. While the Edison Power
Plant has been decommissioned for years now, asbestos containing materials were used in
their pipes, turbines, and boilers, and as a result, many of our South Boston residents
suffer from significant health issues due to the pollution stemming from this site. It is
therefore extremely concerning to us, and our neighbors, that this site had a partial
collapse, especially when it is in close proximity to our residential and commercial areas.
We need to be absolutely certain as to whether or not this structural collapse will impact
public health and air quality in South Boston.
As a result, we would like to respectfully request ongoing air quality testing done around
the Edison Plant site, and that the testing results be provided publicly to the South Boston
community. Utilizing the Licensed Site Professional that is representing the
neighborhood per the BPDA Board memo, it’s imperative we have an assessment of the
short term and long term public health impact of the construction there, and take every
measure to ensure that asbestos or other harmful materials are fully contained and do not
reach our community.
It’s critical that the City takes immediate action to prioritize public health and public
safety at this site, and to regularly engage the community on its findings. We look
forward to continuing to work together on this issue. If you have any questions or
concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at ed.flynn@boston.gov and 617-635-3203,
or michael.f.flaherty@boston.gov and 617-635-4205.
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