Tittabawassee River Watch www.trwnews.net
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Tittabawassee River Watch www.trwnews.net
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TRW Archives 2004 2nd quarter 4/1/04 - 6/30/04
Anyone supporting the movement to remove the "facilities" label from contaminated properties in Midland and the Tittabawassee flood plain need to consider all of it's implications. The following is NOT legal advise, just some opinions. As always, when buying or selling property, consult your own attorney.
In a 45 minute session on Monday afternoon, representatives of the MEC, Lone Tree, TRW, and individual citizens met with Governor Jennifer Granholm, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, and MDEQ Director Steven Chester over our concerns about the Dow Chemical dioxin contamination of Midland and the Tittabawassee River flood plain. A few highlights:
Mike Krecek, Midland County Health Director, announced at the Midland 5/26/04 meeting that for some unknown "reason", Midland County residents have a consistently higher incidence of diabetes than the rest of Michigan and the nation. Could it be the dioxin laden yards of city residents? A clear link between diabetes and dioxin exists and the rest of the world recognizes it. To our knowledge, no study has been initiated, even though Mr. Krecek has know about this for 2 years. Click here for more.
Source: Midland County Health Department
The following are a few of many letter, faxes, and emails sent to Michigan's representative Koetje and all members of the Committee on Governmental Affairs. The commttee was to discuss HB 5963 today, however it was removed from the agenda at the last minute with no explaination. For details on why standard should NOT be changed to 1000 ppt, click here. Click here to see House Bill 5963 (Senate bill 1276 is identical)
To: The Honorable James Koetje, Chairman Dear Sir: Having read the levels of dioxin in the Tittabawassee River and the surrounding flood Plain being 4500ppt and as much as 9500ppt, I am outraged that you or any one else would put property Value above Human Health. These Levels are 3x's higher than the worst places in Vietnam and as a 3x cancer survivor from the effects of dioxin. I, sir, do know that any increase in the standard of 90ppt. would lessen the level of clean ups and that would be inadequate and detrimental to the health of many and for as many as thirty plus years in the future. It may take that long to affect people. That is how long before it affected me after exposure. Thank you, sir for listening. Darrell Parrott TRW note: For details on why standard should NOT be changed to 1000 ppt, click here Click here to see House Bill 5963 (Senate bill 1276 is identical)
At the request of many, a new page has been added to this site to sumarize all in one place any relevant dioxin studies and/or reports. Below are a few lines from the summary table. To view the entire summary, visit our "Summaries" page, click here or on the "Studies" link in the content area to the left. The table will be updated on a regular basis with new studies and status updates.
In the Fall of 2003, Dow conducted a wild game study of the Tittabawassee floodplain to answer residents’ questions about potential risks of consuming wild game from the river area that may be contaminated with elevated levels of dioxin. On November 10, 2003, Dow's Susan Carrington said the animals will be collected by scientists within the next two weeks and test results will be available by early next year. Summer is just a few weeks away, what holding up the report? We are hearing some very interesting rumors:
Come on Dow, stop the rumors and tell us what is going on, NOW!
Press Release June 7, 2004 CONTACTS: Michelle Hurd-Riddick 989-799-3313 Residents living in the most contaminated regions of mid-Michigan called on the Governor to meet with them in response to recent attempts by some state representatives to weaken the state's dioxin standard. "We are outraged by these attempts to weaken our cleanup laws, and to dismantle the Agency that is supposed to protect our health. We actually have to live amid the dioxin contamination, and wear masks when we mow our lawn. Our children are threatened by playing in our backyards. We demand that the state officials protect our health, as they are sworn to," said Marcia Woodman, nurse and mother of three. This past weekend, Republican representatives from the Midland area met with Governor Granholm to press their case to weaken state cleanup standards, thus potentially exposing all Michigan residents to higher levels of dioxin. River residents, represented by the Tittabawassee River Watch and the Lone Tree Council, and residents from area Townships and the City of Midland sent a letter to the Governor today asking for equal time to discuss the need for the state to uphold its cleanup standards in the face of pressure from Dow Chemical and some legislators to put citizens at risk. The groups highlighted the overwhelming number of scientific studies that demonstrate that dioxin is a serious health hazard. They also highlighted the misuse of science by Dow Chemical and elected representatives who receive major campaign contributions from Dow. At issue is a state cleanup standard that is set in order to prevent health impacts. Elected representatives from the Midland region are suggesting that harm must be demonstrated before cleanup should take place. They are further arguing that cleanup standards should be set at a level where health effects might be seen. "Setting cleanup standards at a level where there may be harm defies all of the principles of public health protection that are the basis of our environmental and public health laws. This is a terrible precedent and should not stand," said Michelle Hurd-Riddick of the Lone Tree Council. "The whole point of our environmental laws is to PROTECT public health." "We have a vision of our community where children can play safely, and residents can grow food in their garden, and we don't have to worry about mowing our lawn or swimming in the river. Our vision is one where our community prospers and the future continues to be bright. To realize this vision, we need to get this issue behind us, and finally clean up this mess," said Betty Damore of James Township. "Dow is flexing its political muscle and throwing money around so they don't have to clean up their mess. If we make environmental laws based on the wishes of big polluters, no community and no cleanup efforts are safe," said Curt Dalton, a former recreational user of the Tittabawassee River. Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to cut the DEQ's budget, eliminate an entire program, and cut the Director's salary in retaliation for the DEQ doing their job and defending the laws of the state. "This is a desperate strategy and a shameful one. This is corrupt politics at its worst,," said Ward Hodge, a Midland resident. "These lawmakers are big recipients of political contributions from Dow and the chemical industry. They are working for Dow instead of the citizens of the State of Michigan. If the legislature doesn't stand up to these tactics, Michigan will become the new capital of hazardous wastes. That could be the biggest threat to the economic health of the state yet." -30- Click here to view the letter sent to Governer Granholm
From the author: "This blog concerns the mighty Tittabawassee River that flows through several counties in South East Michigan and the pollution and politics that supplant themselves for the health concerns that should be taking the center stage." www.theriverspeaks.blogspot.com
House Appropriations Sub-Committee – Votes to Slash DEQ Budget & Eliminate Entire Programs The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environment voted this morning to SLASH the DEQ budget in many ways, including eliminating the Hazardous Waste Division entirely. This is a primarily vindictive, ostrich-like response to the DEQ's efforts to protect the citizens of Michigan who live along the Tittabawassee River from dioxin contamination – caused by Dow Chemical. The legislators who introduced and support this measure seem to be far more concerned about protecting Dow than they are about protecting the people of Michigan. The House Subcommittee on Appropriations has recommended to:
Who to Contact: Please call or email your House Representative as soon as possible and tell them to restore full funding to the DEQ. The DEQ is our state agency whose job it is to protect Michigan citizens and environment. The proposed cuts make NO sense and are a transparent attempt to get Dow Chemical off the hook for the pollution they’ve caused in Michigan. Here is a link to the House of Representative’s web site so you can easily find your Rep’s contact info: house.mi.gov - Find a Representative Timeframe: The House appropriation subcommittee has made the recommendation to the full committee this morning (Thursday). The full committee is meeting this afternoon. If the full committee concurs with this ridiculous proposal, it could reach the House floor by next week. We MUST make contact with as many House Reps as possible within the next few days! Keep in mind that YOU CAN call over the weekend and in the evening – simply leave your message on the legislator’s voice mail. Thank you Gayle Miller Following is additional information posted to EnviroMich, a state-wide listserv on environmental issues in Michigan: Recently, Senator Stamas and Representative Moolenaar announced plans to introduce legislation to weaken the state's residential dioxin cleanup standard to 1,000 ppt. They are basing that number on outdated science that doesn't reflect our current understanding of dioxin's toxicity. This is an outrageous attempt to relieve Dow of liability for their dioxin contamination in mid-Michigan, and it threatens the health of all Michigan residents and the health of the Great Lakes in the bargain. And today, the friends of the chemical industry are attempting to behead the DEQ by slashing the DEQ's budget. This latest gambit is a threat to all of our efforts to protect public health and the great resources of our state. This latest effort is in retaliation for the DEQ DOING THEIR JOB AND FOLLOWING THE LAW OF THE STATE. If chemical corporations can cut the DEQ budget simply because they are abiding by the environmental laws in the state, all of our environmental programs are at risk. WE URGE ALL MICHIGAN CITIZENS TO TAKE ACTION - CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND TELL THEM TO SUPPORT THE DEQ IN FOLLOWING THE LAW OF THE STATE!!!!! Tell them that political maneuvering on behalf of a single large company is not acceptable. The priority in our state must be science-based public health protections. Not surprisingly, these legislators are big recipients of campaign contributions from the chemical industry. A contaminated Great Lakes basin and weak environmental laws are not the way to revive Michigan's economy or attract new businesses. Just the opposite in fact. Tony
Stamas - Republican State Senator John
Moolenaar - Republican Michigan State House Representative, District 98 Dow donated $215,000 in 2002 to Republican State Election Committee Chemical
industry political contributions in Michigan
election campaigns 1996-2002 And supporters of this effort include: David
Camp - Republican US House Representative for Michigan
The MDEQ announced at the last CAP meeting they are arranging a visit by Dr. Linda Birnbaum. Dr. Birnbaum is a world renowned expert on dioxin and it's effects on humans and the environment. Tentative dates are July 26 and July 27, meeting time and place to be announced. Click here to listen to an audio presentation by Dr. Birnbaum "Dioxin, are we at risk?" Additional information on Dr. Birnbaum can be found on our EPA page which includes a slide presentation "Dioxin Risk Characteristics".
On May 27, 2004, a group of Michigan Republican Lawmakers from Midland (Stamas & Moolenaar) filed 2 bills in the Michigan Legislature to raise the States dioxin Residential Direct Contact Criteria (RDCC) to over 11 times the current standard, from 90 ppt to 1000 ppt. In our opinion, this is a attempt to relieve Dow Chemical of it's clean up responsibilities under it's current operating license. These individuals have shown their true colors: their allegiance to Dow Chemical company overrides their concern for public safety in City of Midland, Tittabawassee River flood plain, the State of Michigan, and the United States of America. If passed, these bills may set a precedent that could affect dioxin standards across the entire United States. Now is the time for concerned citizens from around the country to get involved in this debacle unless you want Dow Chemical interfering in your backyard. Click here to visit our new web page: Dioxin Politics for a better understanding of what is really going on here.
The meetings turn out was phenomenal, no one is arguing with that. Obviously Midland residents have a great interest in the matter and came to the meeting seeking facts. In this regard, the City of Midland failed miserably and intentionally obstructed MDEQ's mission to explain the science behind it's regulations. In place of science, the City "stacked the deck" and spewed Dow propaganda. The MDEQ made a number of offers to come back to Midland at anytime do an presentation of substance to the residents. My guess you will not see the City of Midland advertising such a meeting, if they ever allow it to take place. Below are more observations of those who attended the meeting: CITY OF MIDLAND PUBLIC MEETING ON MAY 26th Half truths, omissions, misinformation, command and control of questions and meeting agenda delivered the message that Dow and the City of Midland wanted to create. Dow is right and everyone else is wrong and the MDEQ is a monster. Granted, the City of Midland hosted this meeting but I had hoped some people or officials would find the constrained, restrictive and manipulated format objectionable. Hard to believe this is a the same company and city who call for openness and transparency. This was a very tightly controlled meeting Presenters: Steve Chester DEQ Sue Carrington Dow Chemical Ron Waybrant City of Midland Toxicology Consultant Mike Krecek Midland Co. Health Department Tom Phillips City of Midland Environmental & Regulatory Legal
This wasn't really a public meeting or an open meeting. It is a highly controlled and successful effort by Dow and the City of Midland to garner a specific outcome. The alleged intent of the meeting was to " allow Midland residents the opportunity to learn more about the effects of dioxin on their health and property in light of the MDEQ's proposed plan to test soils in the Midland area"this in a letter to the panelists dated May 20, 2004, from Karl Tomion, City Manager. Sitting within feet of Steve Chester were the geologists, toxicologists, and agency people (including EPA) responsible for the science and the license. Yet they were not permitted to answer questions, correct misinformation or expound in greater detail. The letter from the City Manager stated, "You are the only spokesperson for your organization." The vast majority of the audience were wearing buttons that said We Support Sound Science but no one objected to the exclusion of the science people in the agencies. The only science people permitted to speak were from Dow and the City of Midland. The City of Midland and Dow have a long and well documented history of fending off regulatory agency efforts to ascertain an accurate assessment of the extent of dioxin contamination in Midland. Indeed, transparency is not one of Midland's strong suits and unfortunately for the vast majority of Midland residents it's OK
The following is an excerpt from the latest Lone Tree/TRW news update, click here for all the details DOW SPINNING TO NEW HEIGHTS The following excerpt was taken
from Dow's full page ad in the Saginaw, Bay City and Midland Newspapers: "According
to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), there is no known evidence of
any health effects or illnesses that may have occurred in people as a result of :
In February 2004, the MDCH conducted 2 surveys:
79% of Tittabawassee flood plain residents and 67% of Midland residents selected government agencies to conduct exposure investigations. Dr. Linda Dykema of the MDCH revealed the results of the assessments at the MDEQ CAP meeting on 5/27/04. The "unofficial" table below, created by TRW, summarizes residents responses. Only those answering YES to question 1 were allowed to provide answers on questions 2-5. The response rates shown below may not equal 100% because not all respondents provided answers to all questions.The full text of the Assessments will published on TRW when time permits. Contact Kory Groetsch or Linda Dykema at 1-800-648-6942 for more details.
Excerpts from article Midland facing tests of soil by Jeremiah Stettler
Check our our new web page Junk Science ??? which provides links to extensive research documenting the shadowy world of "sound science" proponents. The City of Midland community should do a little homework before attending Mayor Black's meeting next Wednesday, understanding the definition of "Sound Science" would be a good place to start.
The next TRW meeting will be held June 28th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the Thomas Township Library. The May 2004 meeting is cancelled as the Thomas Township Library did not have any rooms available.
Dioxin residential soil cleanup criteria vary around the country, the MDEQ does not seem to be out of line with their 90 ppt level . Below are a few examples provided by the EPA. TRW has not had time to verify all of the levels listed, if you know of other agency levels and/or information that confirms or disputes the data below, please let us know by sending an email to info@trwnews.net and we will update the table below.
Source: Gregory A. Rudloff, P.G. Additional Information discovered by TRW
Below is an excerpt from the web site of a former Dow Chemical Engineer investigating the Midland Dow plants incinerator practices. This is evidently a work in progress, however it brings up a few interesting observations.
"The CIty Midland’s struggle to overcome its checkered environmental history is about to intensify. After a decades-long tug-of-war over contamination level standards, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is making it clear: It believes dioxin is a problem in Midland and The Dow Chemical Co. must do something about it." The city ran a full page ad in the Midland Daily News announcing a public meeting for Midalnd residents scheduled for May 26 to discuss the issue. Up to 8,800 homes and 21,300 residents could be affected by the DEQ regulations. The ad also provides an explaination of the situation from the city's perspective as well as a map of the affected area. Midland is also posting dioxin related information on it's web site.
Michigan's DEQ is under attack for protecting the public from corporate polluters. According to a Detroit News article [more], "Some Republican state representatives want to limit Michigan’s environmental regulatory agency, which they describe as overly bureaucratic, power hungry and filled with "rogue" field agents who intimidate property owners" ... Democratic Rep. Chris Kolb of Ann Arbor said the House Republicans who want to reform the DEQ are emphasizing property rights over the public’s right to a safe environment. "They believe private interest overrides the public, but the public is all of us ... and the air and water we all use," Kolb said. "They’re bringing out the heavy artillery when a letter to the director would work." In TRW's opinion, these legislatures want to return to the old Engler days when the DEQ's "client" was big business/private interest groups and public health concerns enemy number 1. Yet despite this adversity, the MDEQ continues to do what is right and urges Saginaw County to pull the plug on large events scheduled for Imerman Park, especially if the activity involves people sitting or laying on the ground, young children, or sports activities which disturb the soil. Dioxin levels as high as 1,400 TEQ have been measured at the surface in the areas where these activities would occur. In addition, a flood event in the spring of 2004 flushed contaminated river sediment all over the park making contact with the soil almost unavoidable [click here for 40 photo's]. "Rouge agents"? In TRW's experience over the last 2 years, MDEQ and MDCH field staff have proven themselves time and time again to be conscientious, dedicated, and compassionate professionals. Some have taken great personal risk's to keep the public informed. In our opinion, the attack on the MDEQ is being orchestrated by big corporate polluters such as Dow Chemical. The local state representatives that accuse environmentalist of having a "political" agenda are probably the same individuals behind the political attack on the MDEQ. Ask your State & Federal representatives if they have ever worked for Dow Chemical or it's subsidiaries in any capacity, own significant shares of Dow stock, accepted Dow political campaign fund contributions, or married into the Dow family tree. Then ask them to state their position on the current movement to restrict MDEQ's budget and authority. You will not be surprised by their answers, assuming they would even respond. Click on these links for Representative contact information and voting records. We are at risk of losing one of the best DEQ departments in the country. Rumor
has it another Dow campaign is underway at the Federal level where attempts are being made
to influence the EPA and it's relationship with the MDEQ, stay tuned... Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Michigan Department of Community Health Steven Chester, Director
Janet Olszewski, Director (517) 373-7917 (517)-373-3740 mailto:deq-officeofcommunication@michigan.gov mailto:mccullochs@michigan.gov
Gary Henry TRW
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, the
endometrium, implants and grows outside of the uterus, often in the abdominal cavity,
frequently causing pain, infertility, pain with sex, and bowel or bladder problems.
Endometriosis requires involvement of hormones and immune system malfunction in order to
develop, and is associated with increased risk of other immune system disorders and
certain cancers. Although genetic factors may contribute to the risk of endometriosis in
some women, human and animal studies indicate a potentially important role for
environmental factors as well, including exposure to dioxins, furans, PCBs, chemicals that
mimic estrogen, and radiation. It is important to consider that combinations of chemical
and radiation exposures may add up to increase the risk more than would be expected from
any one alone.
The 90 minute documentary about Dow's contamination of the Tittabawassee River and Midland is now available for purchase on DVD. The cost is $10 per DVD + tax, shipping, and handling. Please contact the author, Steve Meador, for your purchase. stephenmeador@earthlink.net. Click here for a brief description and author's bio.
At the last meeting on March 10, it was expected that the SOW review and approval
would be completed in April prior to the DEQ CAP meeting scheduled to be held on May
5. Although DEQ staff have made a great deal of progress on the SOW review, they
will not be able to complete the review and the SOW modifications for approval in
time to meet with Dow prior to the May 5 DEQ CAP meeting and finalize the approval
documents to share with the CAP members. New dates suggested are May 25 or May 26,
will post when MDEQ finalizes the date and time. Lone Tree Council and TRW Dioxin Update # 5 April 2004Next meeting is April 26th at 6:30 pm at the Thomas Twp Library Dow Chemical: Risk for Investors NEW YORK, April 21------ Innovest Strategic Value Advisors
Opinion: Dr. Garabrant may be to close to the forest to see the trees. Recent
correspondence between the MDCH/ATSDR and Dr. Garabrant reveals a fundamental flaw
in his study that has nothing to do with the
technical details: Lack of trust. ATSDR/MDCH comments on Garabrant study Garabrant response to ATSDR/MDCH comments
Sue Kaelber-Matlock, Senior Geologist with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Saginaw Bay District Office, asked me to send the attached announcement/newsletter regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Monitoring and Measurement Technology Verification Program to the DEQ CAP for your information. Details on the April 28 Visitors Day for the SITE Demonstration on Technologies for Detecting Dioxin in Soil and Sediment Samples at the Green Point Environmental Learning Center in Saginaw are included in the attachment. Cheryl Howe Click here to view EPA
announcement The Long Shadow On DVD Part of Delta College Earth Day Activites Introduction by Terry Miller, Lone Tree Council
THURSDAY APRIL 22 9AM DELTA COLLEGE LECTURE THEATRE C121 The Long Shadow details the dioxin controversy in the Tittabawassee River and the City of Midland starting in 2002, from public notification by agency whistleblowers in January to the failed bailout in December. The story highlights the plight of three floodplain families concerned about their health, their property values, and how Dow Chemical and the government acted against them. The story is told through contemporary videography, historical photos, and interviews with floodplain residents, environmental advocates, key government officials, and state lawmakers. The Long Shadow exemplifies the need for citizens to be fully engaged in the democratic process, and the danger in assuming that government officials are always acting in the best interest of the public they are charged to serve and protect.
Stephen Meador created the Long Shadow for his Master's thesis at MSU. Stephen Meador is a freelance journalist working in print, radio, and film. His stories focus on history, science, and the environment. Before becoming a journalist, Steve was a Lieutenant in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering, and studied journalism for two years as a graduate student at Michigan State University. Steve lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with his soul mate Kate and their two dogs.
Source: David Linhardt, former Dow Chemical Engineer website: www.dioxinspin.com "The County Health Department should not have conducted a review of the health of county residents as it should have conducted a review of the health of exposed residents living within the five mile radius. Dilution with high numbers of non-exposed residents invalidates the study as to whether dioxin exposure has impacted the health of the residents" This quote and the table below are an excerpt from a document published by Mr. Linhardt, visit his web site or click here to view the entire document (pdf).
The full text of a letter sent by Steven Chester, Director of the MDEQ, to Karl Tomion, Midland City Manager is now avaialble on line. Click here "Even without further data, however, state officials maintain that the health standard of 90 parts per trillion is appropriate protecting the health of Tittabawassee residents. Steven E. Chester, director of the Department of Environmental Quality, wrote in a letter The Saginaw News obtained that dioxin levels along the Tittabawassee are high enough to cause concern. The federal standard of 1,000 parts per trillion, he wrote, was never intended to represent a concentration in soil that is acceptable for long-term, residential exposure without any further type of evaluation. Even if dioxin levels fall below the federal standard, Chester wrote the cleanup efforts required of Dow are based on sound science and are needed to protect human health." Source: Dioxin discrepancies, Saginaw News 4/4/04 |
