Letter from Mike Baker, COPA,
to EPA
May 14, 1996
COPA
Citizens Opposed to PCB Ash
P.O. box 665
Bloomington, IN 47402-0665
TO:
U.S. E.P.A.
Mr. Dan Hopkins
77 Jackson St.
Chicago, IL
Dear Dan,
After years of debate and discussion as to whether an RI/FS was done
for the Bloomington sites, it has been acknowledged by EPA that one was
not done. As we move toward finding a solution to the complex problems the
Bloomington PCB sites present, we have been told that something close to
an RI/FS will be done.
COPA and others in the community have for years asked that a formal RI/FS
be done to characterize the sites and end speculation as to how bad the
contamination is before a solution is reached. We see no reason why a full
RI/FS according to superfund law should not be done in Bloomington. There
is no need for an equivalent since we can find no justification for not
doing an RI/FS.
We also feel immediate source control should be implemented to prevent
contaminants from entering groundwater, surface water, and air. We can see
no reason to continue allowing contaminants to escape the sites.
When will water discharging from the Illinois Central Springs be captured
and treated? What options are under consideration, who is evaluating the
options, and are the consent decree parties in agreement over this issue?
COPA would like written responses to our questions, and would like a
letter explaining EPA's decision on doing a full RI/FS.
We all realize the complexity of the issues facing you and understand
the constraints of the consent decree. What continues to be bothersome is
the fact that source control and water treatment have not been implemented,
and for years contaminants have continued to enter the environment and poison
our waterways and wildlife.
It took years of citizen complaining about discharges from Illinois Central
before a fence was erected around the site. Unfortunately, the contaminants
keep flowing under the fence and on downstream. How can EPA continue to
let this happen?
In the past when any of these questions have been raised, you have indicated
that constraints of the consent decree or present EPA practices at municipal
landfills as a defense. Please list any superfund sites in the United States
that are municipal landfills, located in sink holes on karst, contaminated
with the concentrations of PCBs known to exist in Bloomington.
Bloomington has always been treated differently by EPA in regards to
the legal requirments of CERCLA, the Superfund Law.
We would appreciate a prompt reply to this request for an RI/FS.
Sincerely,
Mike Baker
COPA |
