[CPEO-MEF] Open Burning Proposal Ignores Risks to Children and Infants!

[info@cswab.com]

Apologies for any cross-postings.

 

ACTION ALERT!

Open Burning Proposal Ignores Risks to Children and Infants!

 

The DNR's assessment of cancer risks associated with inhalation of toxic
emissions from open burning buildings at Badger only evaluated risks to
adults.  In addition to other omissions -- including no assessment of
non-cancer risks, ecological risks, environmental risks, and cumulative
risks - the DNR did NOT assess risks to CHILDREN AND INFANTS!!  

 

DNR officials said children were not included in their study because (1)
the current EPA method for evaluating risk to children is old, (2) the
new EPA method will not be finalized for at least 6 months, (3) even if
the new method was available, this type of assessment could take as long
as a year, and (4) there are other more significant air emission sources
that require the Department's attention.  

 

Ironically, the EPA published findings this week that infants and
toddlers have a 10 times greater cancer risk than adults when exposed to
certain chemicals. (See article on other side for more information.)
The federal government is proposing tougher environmental guidelines
that would take into account the greater hazards to the very young.

 

PLEASE write a letter demanding assessment of all risks to children and
infants for all routes of exposure (not just inhalation) BEFORE any
burning is done at Badger.  Your letter should also include a strong
recommendation that IF burning is ultimately approved, comprehensive
environmental monitoring should be conducted.  (The DNR's current plan
contains NO requirements for monitoring air, soil, or surface water.)  

 

Send your written comments by March 17 to:   

 

Barbara Pavliscak, Air Management

Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources

1500 N. Johns Street

Dodgeville, WI 53533     

Barbara.Pavliscak@dnr.state.wi.us

(608)935-1927

 

Also, if open burning is ultimately approved, the DNR will establish a
notification list for anyone that would like to know in advance when a
burn is going to occur.  If you would like to receive written
notification of an upcoming burn, include your request and your contact
information with your comments.

 

 

For more information contact:


 


Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger


E12629 Weigand's Bay South    Merrimac, WI  53561


Phone (608) 643-3124   Fax (608) 643-0005


info@cswab.com

 

 

--

Laura Olah, Executive Director

Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger

E12629 Weigands Bay S

Merrimac, WI 53561

phone: (608)643-3124

fax: (608)643-0005

email: info@cswab.com

website: http://www.cswab.com <http://www.cswab.com/> 

 

 

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