Approximately 50 people gathered on the Statehouse lawn to listen to speakers, enjoy performances by “Bread and Puppet” and the “Raging Grannies;” and to view a photo-petition of over 400 individuals that added still more numbers and impact to the written petition of over !,700 signers who want answers to their questions about what exactly the wastewater and extraction practices of Agrimark-Cabot are doing to the surrounding watershed and groundwater. If everything is on the up and up, it’s time for ANR to fulfill their role as a public interface and provide coherent explanations, backed-up by concrete evidence that will reassure the concerned community that they have nothing to worry about. Lacking that irrefutable evidence, an independent analysis of Agrimark-Cabot’s draw and discharge practices would go a long way toward rebuilding this community’s confidence in the ANR’s ability to protect their health.
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It’s about time more attention was directed toward Cabot Creamery’s questionable waste management practices. I have been following this issue and sharing the developing story on GMD since last fall. Now, Toxics Action Center has announced an upcoming press conference on the issue, together with a rally on the Statehouse lawn:
Vermonters Call on Cabot Creamery to Green Up
What: Press conference and small rally on the Statehouse lawn. 30-40 supporters are expected to join Whey To Go, a local community group, and Toxics Action Center, a public health and environmental nonprofit. Whey To Go will announce the results of its petitioning effort, with supporters asking the CEO of Cabot Creamery’s parent company, Agrimark, to adopt stronger environmental practices. Bread and Puppet will perform a short skit.
When: Wednesday, August 11, 10:30AM
Where: Statehouse Lawn, Montpelier
Speakers: Jill Alexander, Whey To Go
Norman Lussier, Lussier Farm, Swanton
Jessica Edgerly, Toxics Action CenterVisuals: Compilation of the hundreds of photo petitions taken of supporters.
It is in the best interests of Cabot and the Vermont brand to have these complaints fully explored, and any necessary remedial action undertaken without delay.