As part of the Landfill Remediation Project, the University is committed to obtaining information that furthers its understanding of where contaminants may have been placed in the now inactive landfill.

Following discussions with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and community interest groups, the University has implemented a strategy to collect information for the hydrogeological study.

The University's consultant, Haley & Aldrich, will conduct interviews with current and former UConn employees who have knowledge about the landfill. This practice has been successful in other projects.

The firm will also follow up on information gathered at the community open house and will pursue any other information gathered in future public forums, such as the public meeting on February 25. The meeting will take place at Mansfield Middle School, from 7-10 p.m.

Since some people may not want the information they provide to be attributed to them, the University will advertise and publicize the use of two existing anonymous tip lines managed by EPA and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and how to provide information anonymously to DEP.

EPA's toll-free Anonymous Tips Line is (888) 372-7341. It has contributed significantly to the success of the agency's enforcement programs.

PEER, a national organization representing state and federal public employees concerned with enforcement of environmental laws, has a program of anonymous phone interviews. If you would like to use PEER's service, call Todd Robins at (202) 265-7337. You may call collect and tell the operator you have information about the UConn landfill, or call directly and leave a number where you can be reached and PEER will return the call. Robins will record the information and pass it along to EPA.

Individuals may also call Jim Fitting at DEP, (860) 424-3910. He will take comments given anonymously. These communication alternatives will be shared with current and former employees during the consultants' contacts with them.

University officials recognize the importance of obtaining information that current and former employees may have about past disposal practices and encourage people with this knowledge to take advantage of the alternatives listed above.

In addition, anyone with information may call Scott Brohinsky, Director of Communications, at:(860) 486-3530, or write to him at: University Communications
1266 Storrs Rd., U-144
Storrs, CT 06269-4144

Sherry Fisher