Spring arrives and so does the sand-sweeping cleanup. I notice that Lewiston Public Works aways uses water when sweeping the streets and sidewalks. I respect them for it because they care about the general public.

Many people have lung diseases and using water while sweeping means less dust so the air is cleaner and much healthier.

The private contractors that sweep businesses, on the other hand, sweep dry, causing an immense amount of dust. That is bad for everyone, plus the dust settles on cars, windows, etc. They can make one big cloud of unhealthy dust.

It should be mandatory for all private contractors to use water when sweeping, the same as Lewiston PW. I should not be deprived of going outside because of the dust. Dust is very unhealthy for everyone.

For a healthier environment, it should be mandatory for all private contractors to use water when sweeping.

Madeleine Perreault, Lewiston