WHO: Rick Hind, Legislative Director, Greenpeace Toxics
Campaign
Lisa Finaldi, Greenpeace Campaigns Director and NC resident who
was onsite and spoke with Apex residents
WHY: Although there have been numerous announcements that it is
safe for residents of Apex, NC to return to their community, these
assurances are being made without information being made available
to the public. Noinformation is yet available regarding what
chemicals were emitted at the fire. It is of grave concern that
initial reports of chemicals onsite such as chlorine can form toxic
gases that can become trapped in basements and low-lying areas
without proper ventilation.
While the EPA and the NCDENR continue to sample ambient air and
residents have been advised to take certain precautions, a number
of the recommendations may prove unwise. These include the
destruction of contaminated material which could serve to determine
precisely what chemical fallout has occurred and the level of
contamination. There are also legal implications for the residents
who throw away contaminated material which could later serve as
evidence.
VVPR info: CONTACT:
Jane Kochersperger, (202) 319-2493 or (202) 680-3798 (cell)
Rick Hind, (202) 319-2445
Notes: COPIES OF THE LETTERS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
