Letter From Rep. John Olver: A Fond Farewell

By U.S. Rep. John W. OlverGuest Columnist
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U.S. Rep. John W. Olver at this year's Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams.

As my time in Congress draws to a close, I want to take a moment to thank the constituents of the 1st Congressional District for your friendship and counsel.

When I arrived in Washington in 1991, I never expected to be in office for 21 years but there were many important issues to fight for and many things to change. The priorities that I fought for over the years were the ones that you brought to me in meetings in my offices, in letters that you sent and in phone calls that you made. Your thoughts and opinions guided my efforts in Washington.

I am proud of my work to protect human rights, expand energy efficiency measures and advance renewable energy technology, conserve our natural resources, expand community health centers, defend and promote affordable housing, increase access to rail and advocate for the effective use of transportation dollars.

There is still much to do and I am happy that Representatives Neal, McGovern and Tsongas will be representing central and Western Massachusetts. Their contact information can be found below.

Many of you have asked what my plans are for retirement. I look forward to spending time with my family, hiking in Western Massachusetts and beyond, tending to my garden, and traveling.

Thank you all for your well wishes and your calls of thanks. But it is you who deserve my thanks for providing me with the opportunity to serve you over the last 21 years.

Be well.

 

 

 

 

Congressman Richard Neal (MA01)
www.neal.house.gov
300 State Street, Suite 200
Springfield, MA 01005


413-785-0325

Congressman James McGovern (MA02)
www.mcgovern.house.gov
34 Mechanic Street
Worcester, MA 01608
508-831-7356

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA03)
www.tsongas.house.gov
Lowell MA Office
11 Kearney Square, 3rd Floor
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 459-0101


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Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond. 
 
According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond. 
 
The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million. 
 
"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.
 
The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
 
The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
 
The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here
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