B-P Trucking sparks controversy in Hudson with new transfer station expansion project

HUDSON– B-P Trucking is proposing a controversial expansion of their transfer station.

Residents have raised concerns about increased truck traffic, air pollution, and health impacts. The proposal has also drawn attention due to its proximity with Mulready School.

“That means hundreds of additional diesel vehicle movements every day while students are present. When you think about that in the context of a school environment it becomes very real.” Former Hudson School Committee member Steve Smith said.

Many people in Hudson also fear the effects this expansion could have on people with asthma.

“Diesel exhaust is not simply a nuisance pollutant. It’s classified as a known human carcinogen. And as discussed during these hearings, it contains fine particulate matter that is particularly harmful to children and to individuals with asthma.” Smith said.

There’s also concern that there may be more car accidents because of this.

“There is an increased risk of a potential collision between a truck and a pedestrian, truck and a cyclist, or just general car crashes.” Associate Board Member Patrick Thayer said.

Another concern is the fact that the final environmental report was only available in English.

“However, the only thing that’s been translated and communicated to these residents [Portuguese residents] has been these one-pagers, which do not highlight any of the risks of this expansion, only the benefits. No mention of the increased truck traffic, no mention of the particulate matter, no mention of basically the risk of potential increase of asthma rates.” Thayer said.

According to Census, 18.7% of Hudson residents are foreign born.

“If their final environmental impact report that highlights the risks to these communities is only in English, how do they expect to understand this?” Thayer said.