Update on Nomination

Good Morning Neighbor:

I know that many of you are having problems registering your nomination through the ATSDR website -  so instead please email Robert Zimmerman robert.zimmerman@state.de.us with your nomination along with a brief reason why you think I should serve on the work group panel.  You can just paste this information to the email and then add your comments.

Name:	Constance Thomas
Title:	Chair
Organization/Affiliation:	South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force
Address:	P.O. Box 1593
	Fairburn,  GA 30213

Also, the replay of the webcast is now available.  The session that I told you about where we were able to demand that our voices be heard is below in the Plenary Session - click that link - give your name and email and you will be able to view it.  What these community leaders have to say is so vital and clearly another reason why we must be a part of this work group panel.

Have a wonderful day.

Your neighbor,

Connie

 
Please note the following message is being re-sent to make the participant list more easily accessible.

Greetings, This message provides follow-up information on the June 26, 2009 National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures kick-off meeting held in Washington, DC. Participant List A list of meeting participants is now available [here]. View the Webcast The archive of the webcast of the National Conversation kick-off meeting is now available for viewing. The archive includes the morning portions of the meeting, covering introductory remarks by Gail Bingham, RESOLVE facilitator, Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, project co-chair and Dr. Howard Frumkin, project co-chair; Dr. Frumkin's presentation; presentations by keynote speakers Lisa Jackson, U.S. EPA Administrator, and Linda Birnbaum, NIEHS Director, as well as comments and questions from meeting attendees.   To view the introductory remarks and keynote presentations click [here]. To view the plenary question and comment period, click [here].   Work Group Membership Nominations As a reminder, work group membership nominations will be accepted until July 20, 2009. Please submit nominations at www.2009nationalconversation.com. For more information on the National Conversation, visit www.atsdr.cdc.gov/nationalconversation/.

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

Ph. -770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Nomination for National Conversation Work Group

Good Morning Neighbor:

I have decided to submit my name for nomination to be a part of the National Conversation Work Group and I would ask  - if you have a moment - please submit my name as well.  It really only takes a couple of minutes - I was shocked that they did not want more information.  Here is is my registration name etc.. below.    My first committee choice is Policy and Practices and my second committee choice is Serving Communities.  All nominations must be in by July 20th.  

It is important that we continue to have a voice in this forum!!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

Ph. -770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Nomination Summary

 

 

Name:	Constance Thomas
Title:	Chair
Organization/Affiliation:	South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force
Address:	P.O. Box 1593
	Fairburn,  GA 30213

Begin forwarded message:

From: "National Conversation (CDC)" <nationalconversation@cdc.gov>

Date: July 6, 2009 4:20:25 PM EDT

To: robert.zimmerman@state.de.us

Subject: National Conversation Work Group Nomination Process: Deadline 07/20/09

Good afternoon,

**Please distribute widely**

National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures

Call for Work Group Membership Nominations

Submit nominations at

www.2009nationalconversation.com

Deadline:  July 20, 2009

RESOLVE, a non-profit organization specializing in consensus building in public decision making, and CDC's National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) are currently accepting nominations for membership on the National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures work groups.

We are seeking individuals with expertise, experience and/or interest in the following work group topics:

• Monitoring:  collecting information on chemical use, exposure pathways, exposure levels, and health outcomes;
• Scientific Understanding:  filling knowledge gaps on the health effects of chemicals;
• Policies and Practices:  reducing harmful chemical exposures and adverse health outcomes, eliminating inequities, and spurring the development and use of safer alternatives;
• Chemical Emergencies:  preventing, preparing for, and responding to acute chemical incidents;
• Serving Communities:  addressing local chemical exposure concerns to promote environmental justice and improve health, and
• Education and Communication:  ensuring a well-informed public and a competent network of health care providers.

Please visit www.2009nationalconversation.com to learn more about work group responsibilities and to submit a work group membership nomination.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF NOMINATIONS – JULY 20, 2009

Our apologies if this information has already reached you.

FREEDOM

Good morning neighbor:

I wake today thanking God for my community.  I was sent this video from a friend who lives in Arizona - it was recorded by a Fayette County officer who helped to escort the body of our fallen soldier Staff Sgt. Beale  on June 11, 2009.  I know many of you participated in this procession and I am so very proud to call you my neighbor.  I often think about the opportunities I have had to speak my mind about the inadequacies of our government before 100s of people and I could very well be beaten, tortured or put to death for doing so if my freedom was not protected - as we have seen happen to so many beloved people in China and Iran to just name a few.  Thank you to all the men and women who have given so much to make FREEDOM possible in this nation.

http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

Have a blessed July 4th!!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

Ph. -770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Attending the National Conversation

Good morning neighbor:

Well, it has taken me several days to even get my mind around what really happened while I was in D.C.  I had several meetings prior and around the actual event and those meetings alone could prove to be truly ground breaking in the environmental realm - more to come on this as discussions progress.

The National Conversation Conference was held at the national headquarters for the Environmental Protection Agency - one had to go through security to even get to the auditorium.  The morning began with speeches from Ms. Jackson (the Obama appointed Administrative head of the Environmental Protection Agency),  Linda S. Birnbaum, Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health and Howard Frumkin, Director, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention..  There were microphones on stands on each side of the audience as if they were going to take questions or hear remarks.  However, after hearing these speeches and then being told the agenda for the rest of the day, it became clear that there would not be any public input.  I knew that only the morning session would be on webcast and that communities across America were watching to have their voice heard and I became extremely uncomfortable with the whole arrangement.  My legs began to shake as they called for a 15 minute break - I needed to decide what my next course of action would be but before I could think a woman arose in the crowd and began speaking truth to power.  She demanded to be heard and asked Director Frumkin why has he not responded to the cries of poisoned communities - she demanded to know.  I went directly and stood with her giving her what support I could.  When she ended her passionate remarks I began to speak out - I do not even remember all that I said but I do know I asked that this meeting be rearranged so that community members could go to the microphone during the morning webcast and let our voices be heard and to my amazement they agreed to change it up.  Oh, how I wish the cameras were running during this time - it was so important!!!  

They did follow through with allowing us to the microphones once the cameras were rolling again.  I think I was third to speak.  I firmly requested that the ATSDR Health Consultation and Assessment no longer be used and I requested we leave that day with this new mandate in place.  These assessments are found to be faulty by design and do nothing but bring about further harm to communities across America as they try to advocate for their restoration and healing in the legal realm and it cuts off any possibility of being followed medically for years to come.  (I must note here that there were 400 in attendance - with approximately 10 of us from any communities - the rest of the audience worked for the agencies themselves.  I hope to have a copy of the webcast for your viewing in the near future and you will see how passionately we spoke and how difficult it was for those in the audience to clap for us as we finished our speeches.)  Needless to say, there was no mandate for change by the end of the day.  They want to form a national panel or 40 people to become the main working group that will steer the changes.  They are accepting nominations at this time and as reluctant as I am to do this - I feel I absolutely must  - and I guess we will see if they are bold enough to take me and a few of my colleagues.  

I will keep you posted in the days to come.  I could feel your support while I was there and I thank you for all you do to continually lift up not only our community but all those that are in desperate need across America.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

Ph. -770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Connie Goes to Washington

Good Morning Neighbor:

I have to say one of my favorite movies has always been "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and I feel this Friday's scenario will be much like the movie.  However, I am afraid I now lack the naivety that Mr. Smith so bravely held.  And, I ask for your thoughts and prayers as I take this journey for not only our community but for all of our neighbors across America.  So many continue to suffer at the hands of corporate greed and the entrenched evil of doing nothing which many of our governing bodies now extol.

I am pasting the link for the conference and the link for you to sign up for the live webcast of the event on Friday morning.  Please know that you all are with me on this journey and I am humbled and honored to put my best foot forward once again in attempting to make lasting changes for the benefit of us all.  

You neighbor,

Connie

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/nationalconversation/

http://www.vodium.com/login.asp?lib=pn100714

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

Ph. -770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

News on Lawsuit and West Fayetteville Bypass

Good Afternoon Neighbor:

Sorry for the email overload but wanted to get this email to you (see below) from attorney Scott Zahler regarding the approval of the class action on June 1, 2009 and the dispensing of settlement money in the coming weeks.

Also, tonight at 7pm at the chamber room at the end of the Fayette County Administration building (across the parking lot from where you get your car tags) - the final vote for the West Fayetteville Bypass will take place.  As many of you know, residents will lose their homes along with many whose property will be worthless because the road is passing so close to their home.  And, it has also been pointed out that this will increase traffic through Christian City where many of our elderly live.   At the last meeting, I went before the commissioners requesting that they do not take a person's property before all the environmental permits are in place.  Mr. Dennis Chase (a biologist/environmentalist called on by many municipalities for his environmental expertise) feels that these permits will be denied due to endangerment of wetlands.  It would be a travesty to see these homes taken from people at a time when their home value has fallen and then years from now the road is never built.  So I hope to see you there tonight - remember this is not just a Fayette issue but an issue that once again goes to the heart of our fight as a community and a nation that our government must put the health and welfare of our citizens first!

Your neighbor,

Connie

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

Ph. -770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

The judge gave final approval of the settlement at a hearing on June 1st.  There is a 30 day appeals period and if there are no appeals than the settlement checks will be sent 45 days after that.  That's where we stand.  Please let me know if you need any further information.  Thank you.

 

Scott M. Zahler

Goetz I Zahler, LLC

900 Circle 75 Parkway

Suite 700

Atlanta, Georgia 30339

770-431-1107 Direct Dial

770-431-1101 Fax

smzahler@goetz-zahler.com     Email

www.goetz-zahler.com              Website 

The "National Conversation" and Your Water

Good morning neighbor:

So glad to see summer here and glad to see fleas on my dogs (yes fleas).  I believe it was Corrie ten Boom in her book "The Hiding Place" that also glorified the flea in the concentration camp because at least she knew she was alive and the same here.  If you will all remember, there were no fleas in the summer of 2006 signaling the physical death of our community if the poisoning did not stop.  We have still lost some of our neighbors, many of our pets and most recently I am beginning to hear of the possibility that we have children born with deformities who were in their mother's womb during the summer of 2006.  So the fight for justice and protection continues.  

Last evening I was told that the Center for Disease Control would be paying my way to participate in "The National Conversation on Chemical Exposure" in D.C. on June 26 - see the link below.  I will go and make whatever stand I can even though I think this "National Conversation" is nothing but a way to appear concerned and to appease the masses that change is on its way.  The fact that they did not invite the very people who testified at our nation's capitol about the atrocities of the ATSDR says that they do not want change and trust me this will be a part of whatever statement I get to make at this meeting.  I only think I am now invited because a few of us barked loud enough that they decided to crack the door a little open to let a few of the "regular people" inside.

Another subject I am deeply concerned about is the letter sent to many of you about toxins in your municipal water.  Dr. Lois Speaker expresses much concern over this and feels you all should be drinking water from an outside source until this problem is resolved.   I have forwarded this information to professionals at GreenLaw http://green-law.org/so that they can also begin to look into this.  It maybe important to have a community meeting so let me know your thoughts and if you received a letter about your drinking water.  It appears to have gone out to residents in the Peachtree City area. 

Remember my quote below - Margaret Mead once said:  Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Your neighbor,

Connie

http://www.2009nationalconversation.com/

http://science.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=2390

Constance L. Thomas (Biemiller), Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

www.thecommunityvoice.tv

Ph. -770-314-6999

As Margaret Mead once said:

Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Task Foce Response in Rockmart

Good Morning Neighbor:

Please see my letter to the various agencies and political figures with regard to last week's event.

Your neighbor,

Connie

Subject: Task Foce Response in Rockmart

On May 8, 2009 a team from the South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force traveled to the Rockmart area to investigate the "onion/garlic smell" that resulted in the calls to the Emergency Management Agency due to illness.  We went directly to the Polk County EMA office in Cedartown to find out the exact locations of smell and illness as well as to educate the EMA about our experience and left research materials with them for future use if needed.  The EMA plans to use the exposure form and we encouraged them to begin plotting illness on a map.   So far on this particular day,  there were no calls regarding odor or illness.  

The EMA had no idea that the EPD had been out to the area the day before.  We were shocked to learn that there had been no cross communication.  In order for the EPD (Environmental Protection Division) to truly investigate, there would need to be a call to this agency to gather all reports but this did not occur.  The report we received from the EPD is cited below - a random smell test appeared to be used.  Also, the EPD did not state if they asked for any records from the Rockmart Waste Water Treatment Plant as to what had been treated over the three day period.

As I said in my previous email - in order to truly protect our communities, the agency lines must be blurred and begin to work as a team to oversee all toxic events that take place.  Didn't we learn anything from Katrina?

I would also like to make another statement with regard to the use of proper testing equipment in the State of Georgia.  The reason why Georgia can be inundated with toxic pesticide dumping from other states is the following:

a.  The State of Georgia does not recognize pesticides as a toxic waste.   Therefore, we have extremely lax laws around pesticide containment and these laws were even further relaxed in May of 2006 just before the event in our area occurred.  

b.  The State of Georgia has no proper testing equipment for the testing of toxicity of pesticides that are being emitted into the air, soil or water.  It appears we are also willing to put our heads in the sand and never know what harm these toxins are bringing to our citizens.

After visiting the exposed area, the Task Force is temporarily concluding that the toxins were dumped in the Rockmart Landfill and covered over enough within a three day period to contain the odor.  We will encourage the Polk County EMA to ask for landfill records of dumping during that period to see if it correlates with our conclusion.  

We have yet to receive any communication from the GA Department of Health (an extension of the ATSDR) regarding this matter.

I am sure that our Task Force is seen as a thorn in the side of our government agencies - however - I can assure you that we only want the best for Georgia citizens and want our tax payer funded agencies to exceed the highest standards of protection.  We will do all we can to help and truly be a part of the solution!!

Connie Thomas Biemiller, Chair

South Fulton and Fayette Community Task Force

770-314-6999

Dear Ms. Biemiller,

After our discussion yesterday, I sent an inspector to the Rockmart Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). This complaint was entered into the Complaint Tracking System as CTS #57719. The inspector did not detect any odors of onion or garlic.  When he drove by Tip Top Poultry there was a slight odor but not the one described.  He also noticed the fields adjacent to the plant had been recently cut. Finally he conducted an inspection of the WWTP, but did not find any problems. If you have any questions please contact Russell Nix at the EPD Mountain District Office at 770-387-4900.

Sincerely,

Jim Ussery