Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme Selectman Says Abutters Should Have Been Notified Earlier of LOL Middle School Oil Spill, Assures Impacted Residents Their Safety is BOS Prime Concern

To the Editor:

Due to the growing concern around the oil spill at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, it is important to clarify any misconceptions.

The First Selectman and I were made aware of the oil spill during a Community Leaders meeting in September 2022.  We were informed that the spill was under control and the School District/BOE were working in conjunction with the DEEP to comply with all clean-up and remediation efforts.

In hindsight the abutting property owners near the spill should have been notified earlier by the School District out of an abundance of caution. 

I want to assure everyone going forward, especially as clean-up efforts continue, I will be available to hear your concerns. The safety of the residents impacted by the spill is our priority.  Mr. Griswold and I will remain on top of this issue and will keep residents informed as information becomes available. 

Sincerely,

Matthew Ward,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is a Selectman on the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen.