Professional Documents
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OFFICERS
Concerning the high levels of methylene chloride found in the fountains at Capobianco
Field, Dr. Sokol, in his letter of August 17, also indicated that the detected levels were
likely coming from glue to connect plastic piping, which we assume was what was used
Roosevelt Island Station, P.O. Box 298, New York, New York 10044
to construct or repair the water system in this field. This is very alarming to us because,
if that is the case, then the sprinkler system water had the chemical as well and copious
amounts of it were disseminated onto the field regularly. Hence, we are extremely
concerned that even those using the field who did not drink from the water fountain were
also exposed to this volatile potential carcinogen which can enter the body
through the skin and, since it is volatile, the lungs. Moreover, chemicals generally
leech out in an exponential fashion over time, meaning that the levels being measured
now are, no doubt, much, much lower than those that were present soon after the actual
contamination commenced.
In light of both recently discovered information, the results of our meeting and the above,
we demand that
1. RIOC identify the source of the methylene chloride and inform RIRA and the
public. If it is determined to likely be the glue used to connect pipes we demand
to know when the work was performed and who did it.
2. RIOC inform RIRA and the public as to how and when you plan to correct the
problem or replace the water system and what steps will be taken to prevent
such contamination in the future.
To say that we and the community are severely disappointed with the disposition of our
meeting and the actions of RIOC, and that all of our and the community's questions were
answered during the September 14 meeting, is a severe understatement. Categorizing
our September 14 meeting and the events that have transpired after as truthful and
comforting is nothing more than pure spin on the part of RIOC on an already worsening
and alarming situation.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey R. Escobar
President, Roosevelt Island Residents Association
Roosevelt Island Residents Association, Roosevelt Island Station, P.O. Box 341, New York, New York 10044
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cc:
Roosevelt Island Residents Association, Roosevelt Island Station, P.O. Box 341, New York, New York 10044
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Roosevelt Island Residents Association, Roosevelt Island Station, P.O. Box 298, New York, New York 10044