Re: [CPEO-MEF] CSWAB UPDATE: SENATOR TO PRESS ARMY ON TECHNICAL SUPPORTFOR BADGER ADVISORY BOARD

["peter " <petestrauss1@comcast.net>]

Laura:

I've had several TAPP engagements, and never have I been restricted from
"expressing professional opinions for or against the military?s chosen
investigative or cleanup methods."  What is the purpose of the TAPP program
if an "independent" technical expert cannot express his/her opinion?  

I find this disturbing and anyone hired by the RAB should refuse to conform
to this restriction - or the RAB should refuse the funds.  Restrictions,
such as the technical advice cannot be used for the sole purpose of
supporting a lawsuit or to obtain soil/water samples are in my view the only
legitimate restrictions.

Let me know if I can help out, because in my other TAPP engagements, I was
in no way restricted in the manner that is suggested.

Peter Strauss

-----Original Message-----
From: military-bounces@lists.cpeo.org
[mailto:military-bounces@lists.cpeo.org] On Behalf Of Laura Olah
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 10:52 AM
To: CPEO - listserve
Subject: [CPEO-MEF] CSWAB UPDATE: SENATOR TO PRESS ARMY ON TECHNICAL
SUPPORTFOR BADGER ADVISORY BOARD


CSWAB UPDATE:
SENATOR TO PRESS ARMY ON TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR BADGER ADVISORY BOARD
 
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl is questioning the Department of Defense on the
Army?s recent decision to restrict the type of advice that can be offered by
independent experts working with the Badger Restoration Advisory Board (RAB)
? a citizen panel that represents local and tribal government and neighbors
of the contaminated munitions plant.  
 
Under the DOD-funded Technical Assistance for Public Participation (TAPP)
program, established by legislation co-sponsored by Kohl, the military
service responsible for a contaminated site pays for independent technical
advisers for local communities dealing with the complex technical issues
involved in cleanups. 
 
Earlier this summer, the RAB voted to apply for Army funding to hire a
consultant to review an upcoming feasibility study for cleanup at one of the
largest contaminated areas inside Badger Army Ammunition Plant.  The study
will evaluate possible remedies for a series of settling ponds located along
the installation?s southern boundary.  Soils in the ponds and adjacent
dredge disposal sites are contaminated with high levels of lead, mercury,
explosives, and other environmental toxins.  The total affected area is
about 60 acres.    
 
Kohl has taken up the issue with DOD by forwarding a letter from Laura Olah,
chair of the TAPP Committee and representative for Citizens for Safe Water
Around Badger (CSWAB) on the RAB.  The August 23 letter questions the Army?s
modification of the RAB?s application by adding language which forbids
consultants from expressing professional opinions for or against the
military?s chosen investigative or cleanup methods.  
 
The RAB is concerned that residual soil contaminants could pose a risk to
groundwater quality, wildlife, food crops, and grazing animals such as
cattle, deer, and bison.  An independent consultant will help the board
identify solutions that are in the best long-term interest of public health
and the environment.  
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 
Laura Olah, Executive Director
Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger
E12629 Weigand's Bay South
Merrimac, WI  53561
(608)643-3124
Email: info@cswab.org
Website: www.cswab.org

-END-
 

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