Now is the time for Culpeper to invest in HazMat

Donna Byers
Published: May 20, 2008

There has been much comment about the recent “incident” at the town’s wastewater treatment plant and, as usual, there have been misquotes and incorrect information.

First, there was no “injury,” only the fact that Mr. Moore had a little spray of chlorine and was sent to the hospital simply as a precaution.

What I feel is a much more serious issue is that there was a very long wait time for the HazMat crew to arrive from Fredericksburg.  Fortunately, this was a very minor incident and everyone involved followed procedure. But what would have happened if it had been a true emergency?

I find it very hard to believe that with all the spending that is done in the town and county that we do not have certified HazMat personnel or equipment.

We have a train that runs through the center of town that carries hazardous materials as well as a four-lane highway with numerous trucks carrying hazardous materials. We not only have businesses and housing developments in those areas, but now we have a brand new high school bordering that four-lane highway.

Perhaps it is time for us to review our budgets and restrict spending in some areas to fund that much needed training and equipment. What dollar value do you put on a life?

Donna Byers
Culpeper