Friday, December 14, 2007
The debate over cleanup priorities may have a little reprieve! “Flower Creek will be cleaned up by our Emergency Response program so none of Libby's budget will be spent on that project.” According to Ted Linnert of EPA – Region 8 in Denver. This is good news for Libby as much debate has been focused on whether the EPA should consider CVCC (Cabinet Valley Country Club) or Flower Creek the priority for portions of the $17 million tentatively allotted to Libby cleanup. This simply means that Flower Creek WILL be done, and not at the expense of other necessary cleanup projects.
The work on the creek will not begin until after the spring run-off is over and work plan and budget for that project won't be put together for a few months, rough estimates for the project run about $2,000,000.
Libby and Troy could also benefit from $6.25 million in "pipeline" money, which may be approved for Libby. None of the $17 million tentatively allocated for Libby cleanup may be used for investigations, so much of the $6.25 million will be used in that area. Specific allocations have not been determined, but the EPA is looking at spending the $6.25 million to Finish Ambient Air Sampling; Finish Indoor/Outdoor Activity Based Sampling; Baseline Risk Assessment Tech Support; Mine Oversight/Sampling Plan; Finish sampling at the Processing Areas (Export Plant & Stimson Mill); Finish Screening Sampling in Troy; and in Libby OU4 (maintenance work only)
All this, if it actually materializes, is good news in a time when reliable sources within the government are saying; “The war in Iraq is really hitting home. Even President Bush is admitting that Budgets will need to be cut to fund the war” and “that he wants to cut EPA's budget by almost a billion dollars.” This is getting some serious opposition in Congress – but should still make Libby nervous about what will actually be available for cleanup, epidemiological studies, health care, and other needed project funds.
Keeping this in mind, it is critical for folks in Lincoln County to express their concerns to state and federal lawmakers. If you wish to make an impact write, fax, email, and/or phone your legislators. Go to www.EaglesVoice.com and click on “Speak to Your Lawmakers” on the right side, to get names, phone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses for some of your lawmakers.
I strongly encourage every person in Libby, Troy, and all of Lincoln County to take part by attending CAG meetings, or providing input when you have the opportunity to do so, such as by attending the public meeting on Thursday, January 10th, at 7 p.m., at the Libby Public Schools, Administrative Building, Little Theater, 724 Louisiana Ave. and/or by providing input via the Public Comment form that will be available through various local newspapers and websites.
Phillip Erquiaga
perquiaga@EaglesVoice.com
