Joining in the cleanup

In response to the letter, “Birch Stream cleanup” (BDN letter, Nov. 13), I wish to clarify the fact that we do appreciate the people who came together to clean the area from decades of litter from our Birch Stream.

I did say we were grateful and we are, but some things are left out by the media for which I apologize. It was wonderful to see a community come together to remedy a problem. Tony Caruso [assistant director of Bangor International Airport] had extended an invitation to Griffin Park residents to join in this cleanup, which I had to decline. The fact remains that residents are fearful of the chemicals still in Birch Stream and what these chemicals are doing to their health.

We think twice before opening a window because of the fumes we inhale so to ask us to get into the stream was unquestionable, especially when the Air National Guard had just released their large retention pond into our stream.

I was surprised that face protection was not used for the volunteers’ safety. The trash was an eye sore and the area looks better, but the stream needs to be cleaned and free from all chemicals now. Although the diversion for the de-icer is in the works, de-icer is not the only chemical in Birch Stream, and this diversion is a temporary fix. Residents are still sick. Children are still sick and the stream is still sick with various chemicals.

So thank you for volunteering to clean up the debris that got so out of control. Now as a community let’s get together and demand that the chemicals we breathe here in Griffin Park and in our community get cleaned up, too. Griffin Park residents take pride in a clean environment and healthy air, and that is why we are striving to clean Birch Stream of all chemicals, not just the de-icer and not just the debris.

Ann Birmingham

Bangor