Even though coverage of the major oil spill at Bangor has been moved from the front page of the paper, I hope the Herald’s reporters will continue to investigate and report on circumstances leading to the spill and the Navy’s response.

Why was there a delay in reporting the spill to county, state and federal environmental agencies charged with protection of local waters?

Does the Bangor base have adequate equipment and procedures to deal with catastrophes of this sort?

More importantly, what are the implications for the public and environment of an accident at the explosives-handling wharves?  Will we be notified in a timely fashion?

Have local first-responders been informed of the Navy’s plans for dealing with emergencies and is there a plan for them to assist?

The oil spill is a wake-up call and the public has a right to know what would happen in the event of a greater catastrophe.

Mary Gleysteen
Kingston