Based on the potential public health concerns raised, and the proximity of this project to Reading’s Environmental Justice block and conservation land, the Health Department informed MBTA to conduct a Health Impact Assessment and an Environmental Impact Assessment prior to any approvals.
Response from MBTA: We are not required to provide a Health Impact Assessment or an Environmental Impact Assessment. The project does not require a MEPA review, neither does it meet or exceed the MEPA review threshold (outlined at 301 CMR 11.01 section 2(b)3). We will address health concerns during the February 25 meeting.
What’s next: The Board of Health is in the process of soliciting quotes from reputable third-party Health and Environmental consulting firms to conduct a Health Impact Assessment and recommend strategies that best protect and promote health.
This statement can be found here on the Town of Reading’s website here: https://www.readingma.gov/207/Public-Health-Department
We also created a dedicated MBTA page with all relevant info that has been presented here: https://www.readingrecap.com/mbta/
The next public forum is on February 25th at 7pm. More details here:
https://www.mbta.com/events/2025-02-25/public-meeting-reading-turnback-track-project-person
