I am deeply concerned about the recent allegations of contaminated soil being used in the construction of the 6-10 Connector in Olneyville. This breech of public health and safety puts workers, public safety officials, and residents at risk.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified; socio-economic status and health outcomes are deeply connected.

Any development or construction projects should be conducted with utmost attention to public health and safety. Actions taken to bring truckloads of contaminated soil into Olneyville have done the opposite, and have endangered a neighborhood that is already at-risk.

I am calling on RIDOT and RIDEM to remedy this public health hazard as quickly as possible and that they work towards addressing this type of preventable danger on all future projects.

The City of Providence will not accept anything less than the highest standards of professionalism and care from any party looking to perform, or performing work, in our neighborhoods.

Sabina Matos

Council President

Councilwoman-Ward 15

Providence City Council