Community Land & Water Coalition organized a standout in Plymouth on Aug. 14 to raise awareness about the sand mining occurring in and around Plymouth, which is harming our ecosystem. Attendees held signs to voice their concerns and to attract the attention of Governor Maura Healey, who was in town for an event. During the standout, we also had the opportunity to spread awareness to individuals from outside Plymouth.
Currently, Plymouth’s drinking water is at significant risk due to the ongoing sand and gravel mining. Plymouth has over 30 mining sites, and we have documented more than 100 sites in Southeastern Massachusetts to date, with new ones being reported and investigated regularly. Details of these sites can be found at sandwars.org.
Can we really continue to permit these companies to mine sand when it threatens our town’s drinking water?
It is crucial that we persist in our efforts to raise awareness in other towns across Massachusetts so that the Governor understands the urgency of halting sand mining. We must not allow this practice to continue destroying our lands. We look forward to working with Governor Healey to take action to prevent any further mining sites.
The Community Land & Water Coalition is also holding a standout on Aug. 20 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ashburton Park Entrance of the Massachusetts State House in Boston. Please join us in delivering our petition to Governor Healey, asking for a moratorium on sand mining in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Sincerely,
Chloe Yu
Yu is a member of the Community Land & Water Coalition.