Friday, October 13, 2006

RED TRUCKS AND WATERY LIES

It is now October 2006, and many monthes have passed. I am trying to finish SILENT FALLOUT, ( over on Blogroll on side) and should hopefully be in the hands of a caring agent this year sometime.
But if there are times I seem to be serving cold coffee here at the cafe, I do apologize.I have gone back and reviewed my tale about a small town battling a Huge Corporate Beast, but also how Goverment Entities failed on every level.I was just one person , and the goal of SILENT FALLOUT is to help normal everyday citizens fight back. And I am re-writing much of it because it dawned on me that all of us need Better Tools to Fight Incompetent Corrupt Government Powers- on all levels.


DISCLAIMER:
[Originally written March 1st 2006 ]So this week Lilly of Lose the Noose has a Corporate Dedication Week. Blog Friends have emailed me offline and said "Well Enigma, do we get ANY Whistleblower tales ?" The Answer is yes, I am going to give you a snippet of my tale. The names of the town are hidden for now to protect me and my son ( this will change once book is published). Please know this, I have been working hard on on my Whistleblower book SILENT FALLOUT , and my story is more than personal. And it is the Other Side of Erin Brockavich's tale...what happens when Things Go Very Wrong. So what I am going to do here is give you a piece of the Enigma story, it is a clip of a chapter.Remember this I am merely a mom, a nurse, I don't work for any Government agency or any business, I have no corporate loyalties. I am only loyal to the Truth , my family, and my friends, and that I take care of those that matter. When you are done reading this Ask yourself, WHAT would you have done had you been in my shoes ?

**************++++++++++++++*****************++++++++++++****************

A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT FALL 1999: THE BEGINNING OF THE MYSTERY

In the fall of 1999 I had moved to a small town in the Northwest. I had lived in the Northwest for almost 12 years, mostly in Seattle. As Seattle changed in the 1990's due to Dotcom Wealth , we moved to the smaller town for some peace and quiet away from the Hustle and Bustle. We moved in to the little wooden chalet above the Big Lake, it was quiet and peaceful and looked like a New England Camp Cabin. The tall pines and cedars by the Big Lake provided shade and that deep woody retreat that our family was needing. I was struck that the Lake had some mysterious qualities that I could not identify. We lived less than a quarter of a mile from the Lake- the Lake was visible from our house's back deck. And if we looked down the back of our Hill we could see a small meandering Creek that led to the Big Lake. I expected to see many birds and deer and other wild animals. I went out and bought binoculars and bought books on Northwest Fauna, Birds,Animals etc. My son was eight at the time. He was more interested in the X Files and Harry Potter. We were homeschoolers, so I figured Any and All Lessons would be Welcome.And the Lessons arrived on a Dark and Stormy Autumn Night.

We went to bed, my husband was down working in Seattle. My son came into my room, and we curled up on the Big Ol' Bed and watched Monty Python videos and read Harry Potter. There was a storm raging outside, the Tall Trees were creeking and swaying, and the winds howled. Our two dogs also snuggled on the bed with us, the old Scotty Dog and the big old Bassatt were not fond of storms, they loved the Bed with warm blankets and cookies and milk.

My son fell to sleep and at about 2am I let the dogs out on the back deck to pee. ( I know , not very dignified, but better than them being eaten by a mama cougar). They immediately started barking vigorously at something in the Dark. I came out on the Deck with them, and down the Hill , through the swaying treees I could see Tanker Trucks down at the Creek, and I could smell a strong wafting smell," Mr Clean meets a Skunk" was what we later called The Aroma. It was pungent and stinging, it took my breath away and made my eyes tear. The Trucks were Red, even in the Deep of the Night I could see that they were Fire Engine Red. I went and got my Birding Binoculars. I could see no Writing on the Trucks, but I could see three workers in slickers slogging about yelling at each other. I could see hoses laying by the Trucks. I knew the Trucks and the Aroma were connected and I was wondering WHY they would be so close to the Creek. I was worried. I brought the Dogs in and I sat on my sofa looking down the Hill and listened to the trucks come and go until Dawn. And yes, I wondered was this Midnight Dumping ?

The next day the Aroma was so strong I could not open the back sliding door to the Deck. I got my maps out and traced The Creek down to the Big Lake. I wondered if the Chemicals could reach the Lake via the Creek? And I wondered where the Water Intakes were ? And I wondered how Many People drank water from the Lake. I wondered What I was susposed to Do. And I prayed that I would never see the Trucks again.

Night Two of the Awful Storm arrived. And we snuggled on the Bed again as the Tall Trees Moaned.The Dogs ate the spilled popcorn and burrowed under the covers. At 2am again I let the dogs out, the Aroma was not as pungent as early in the day.
I stood in the Doorway hunched in my robe and prayed the Trucks would not return. And as I stood there, the Trucks arrived.
Double Tankers, and as the rains had stopped I could hear the Tankers and the men yelling and I could even hear a Loud Gushing Sound, almost like Paul Bunyon pissing. I went and got the binoculars and saw fluids gushing out of the Trucks, and the men were rushing more. And the hoses were merely tossed to the side. And The Trucks were backed up to the edge of the Creek.The men were coughing and gagging and yelling more. I wondered what the Hurry was ? I stood on the Back porch deck bundled in an old coat with a scarf aound my face so I could barely breath. I had put the Dogs inside- I was afraid that the men might hear them.Yet the Trucks were loud and the men were loud, so I was pretty sure that they had not heard them.

I went inside and stood by those glass doors and Watched Midnight Dumping behind my Home.. I stood there and wrestled with my thoughts. Should I call someone? What would I say? Where were the trucks from? What were they dumping ? Was it Dangerous ? Should it be in the Water ? How many gallons are in a Double Tanker ? Is the Creek near the Water Intake? How many people drink out of the Lake ? Would drinking or bathing in the Aroma hurt People ? I had only lived there for five weeks, I did not know Enough. I knew I needed to Know More to know What to Do. I knew in my heart and the cold clammy pit of my stomach that I was going to have to do something Drastic.I knew that I needed Answers, and it was Not just about me and my son and my dog. I knew in my gut that it Mattered and that it effected others.

I stood in the Dark and made a Decision.It was only the First Decision of Many. There was no turning back from that moment ever.

I went inside and dressed in an old pair of jeans and black and quickly pulled some clothes out for my son, and also threw together a knapsack full of supplies, cookies and flashlights, a camera, and a map. I made a Decision that if they came back for another Dump that I would follow the Trucks, so that I could get the Answers.

I am a nurse, a mom, I have limited MacGuyver or Magnum PI skills my son would point out this fact out later half asleep as he munched cookies with the dogs as we followed the Tankers down the winding road that ran by the Big Lake. He pointed out that they were going pretty fast. I pointed out that they were going fast because they were now Empty after visiting Our Creek. He pointed out that it was fun wearing Black like Scully and Mulder. He also pointed out it was fun being sneeky. He also pointed out that they were pretty Sneaky too , with those Dirty license plates. ( I sat and wondered if this would end up on the Homeschooling Scoresheet as Not A Good Idea). He promised that he would not tell his dad, it would be Our Little Secret. I wondered as I drove did Others Know about the Midnight Dumping ? the Red Trucks? My son the detective looked at it as an Adventure, and I played along. He even giggled and said "Hey, maybe this is Our X File ". I looked at him, all of eight, with his shiny questioning eyes and his cookie crumb chin and prayed that the Answers would not hurt him. But I was more than worried about Our Secret X File.

**********+++++++*********+++++++**************

Epilogue to the First Snippet of the Whistleblower Mom's Tale:

The Truckers drove much faster than me, but they were not carrying prescious carsick cargo of dogs and child. I lost them on the Back winding road by the Lake as they headed into Town. I wondered Where they came from. I knew that I didn't want to see them again. I also knew that following them was too dangerous they drove like crazed fiends on those dark wet back roads. I knew that they were headed to Town and that the answers to the Mystery were in or near the Town. I also knew that maybe living near a Midnight Dump Creek was not a good thing, and I would have to figure out What to Do ? Alot would depend on How Bad the Dumping was ? Who the Hell would Do Such a Thing ? Did they have Children?Who decided to do this? Did they Know that they were Hurting people ? What kind of Monster would do such a thing? Thses questions ate at my soul as I drove that road by the Lake with my son following the Poisonous Tankers on that dark and stormy night in 1999. And I knew that week that I would never let him drink Water from that Lake again. And I knew that this was only a small piece of a Very Large Dirty Dangerous Puzzle. It would become a Road full of Corruption and Deadly Secrets and Rich Officials that leaves dead and sick people in it's wake.It would teach me that Evil has Faces and Names. It would teach me to have Faith in everyday folk, Heroes who faced a Billion Dollar Company with Courage that I did not know existed.

Within 48 hours of seeing my first Red Tanker Dump it's first load on a Dark and Stormy Night all I would know for sure was that 90,000 people drank from the Big Lake. And My Creek was the Closest to the Water Intake.And that this was not the Only Place they Dumped. And by April 2001 I would find The Red Trucks Home and see them up close, and Know Exactly What they were Dumping.

And that was only the Beginning.....

67 comments:

Lew Scannon said...

Scary stuff. It's a tragedy when Corporate America uses public waters for their own personal chemical toilet.

enigma4ever said...

Blogger is having trouble with Comments again..

Lew- it is worse than that....it is Criminal. People don't drink out of Chemical toilets...thank heavens. Speaking of toilets...here is the funny thing, our Bassat was a rescue, and talented- she could raise the lid to drink her toilet water- atleast while we lived in Seattle...but funny thing...
we loved to the Small Town and she suddenly would not drink out of the Toilet AT ALL. And after the storm I gave her and the other dog bottled water. But I was really intrigued WHY she suddenly had manners....

The Big Evil Company didn't just dump in the Drinking Water for 90,000 people...they also dumped on farms and people's yards...and even in the air. The Company is No More now..and the Dumping did End. And yes, DC Knows ALL about the Big Evil Company....They have friends in High Places...

So the dumping ended...but for the Enigma it is about the Damage, people are sick and died. It was and is Knowing Endangerment. It was Criminal. For the Enigma it will never be good enough.

( well, if they all end up in Jail...that would be better...)

Anonymous said...

what would i have done? standing on that deck gagging with every fresh whiff of the Aroma and realizing that something Very Wrong was going on?

i would have wrestled mightily with my conscience and the enormous implications of what was happening before my eyes and can only hope that i would have found the courage of my convictions in order to do something, anything, to make it stop...but i don't know that i would have found the will and the pure nerve to take it as far as it needed to go...

Yukkione said...

cheaper to dump, than dispose of properly. No consequences for polluting. A tragic story for sure. thanks E4e

enigma4ever said...

Maine Friend: thanks for pondering What you would do ? and there is no right answer....I was only trying to point out that when it comes to your back door ( literally) it makes you think about things in a different way...thanks for taking the extra step....

LOC: yes, sadly you are right....

Unknown said...

Alright, E4E, I need to know. I'm hooked and this looks like the corporate devil in person. Did you get pictures? Did you date them? Did you tell other people. Holy Shit. These people need to be brought down in a hail of law suits that stick them with the bigggest monitary loss taht puts them out of business.
Fuck, and I'll bet the W, Rove and Co. gave this company some kind of tax break for pouring chemicals into your drinking source. Double Fuck.

Anonymous said...

oh indeed, enigma, the way i think about these things was turned around when i tilted at my own small windmill many years ago and failed miserably...even joined a local governing body whose job it was to adminster the state's wetlands protection act only to find out they had a budget of $900/year...I ended up sitting in my back yard and watching the transformation of 130+ forested acres to 100 McMansions with lush, green, chemically-laced lawns and on-site septic systems all draining into a wetland whose boundaries were determined by the developers themselves...who then immediately proceeded to clear-cut right up to their markers before anyone had a chance to point to what used to be there and say "i think you're wrong about that border"...fait accompli...

and i'll wager that the dumping that went on in your small town on farms and in backyards was done with the full knowledge and consent of the landowners along with the requisite 30 pieces of silver...how low will some people in this country stoop for the almighty buck??? it even goes on here in Maine, there was a case some years ago of a privately-operated dump with 6 million tires that caught on fire and burned for several years...we pay tire-disposal fees up here hoping that the money goes to proper disposal of the damned things and it ends up lining the pockets of corrupt "propery rights" advocates...

goddammit, capitalism seems to have the promise of opportunity for all according to their own talents, but the side effects of people who have no conscience or scruples at all will likely kill the planet before we figure out how to make it work...

Anonymous said...

In my experience, people only see what is easy to understand. They tend to ignore that which hurts their heads. You, Enigma, saw something "unusual", not easily grasped, & when others would have just gone back to bed, ho-hum, you pursued it. THAT is what makes your story so compelling. I had goose-flesh thinking of you & your son following those red trucks!

Besides people & animals being poisoned & the environment being polluted, one of most stomach wrenching thoughts is how we as taxpayers are paying for this to be done to us. RFK Jr says "show me a polluter & I'll show you a subsidy". And while money alone won't solve this dilemma (moral conscience can't be bought with a fine), these polluters need to be hit & hit hard in the pocket-book. That's the only language they understand.

So, give 'em Hell, Enigma! They might as well get a preview since that's where they'll end up. D.K.

enigma4ever said...

WINDSPIKE: thanks for coming by- good if your are hooked- you will buy the book...all true...sad but true. Yes, I did more than took pictures... MUCH more.....and there was piles of data etc put on CD's and sent to MANY people and Agencies in DC...the Whistle was blown Plenty loud...the Evil Company had Friends in High Places. The Company never was even fined....And this part the Drinking Water piece is only part of something more evil....Criminal....

MAINE FRIEND: I am sorry that you had your Don Quixote moment...but atleast your tried. And about the dumping it was more criminal than that- it was sold to the townies and the farmers as bedding and fertilizer...I still have hope that my book will help educate people to stop more of this damage from happnening somewhere else and so people can learn how to fight back. I don't despair, I have faith that ordinary people can sometime accomplish huge feats. A small group of us ended 40 years of dumping and effected the company ....that is Something ....may it give some others hope and strength.....

enigma4ever said...

DK: thanks for coming by...and yes,believe me some have asked WHY I didn't go back to bed...( me included- but I just couldn't....)..and yes I do believe that Karmically they will get what they have deserved and brought on themselves...but gee jail time would be nice too...( Jail counts as Hell-right?)

Dada said...

Reminiscing back to good ol' days of the Cold War, and the occasional story that would emerge of some Russian town or community poisoned by the likes of Third World industry practices in a supposed First World nation hinted at the true poverty (moral as well as economic) of our biggest rival and threat. Of course, Chernobyl became their shining star of what happens when peasants play with poisons. But that was those Communists, and somehow Capitalism was so much better--and safer--because we had the resources, wealth and laws to safeguard the land and its people from the shameful shambles a bunch of corrupt Commies had made of their country. It was only a matter of time before their whole valueless system would collapse.

Thank god we live in America! Praise god we were fortunate enough to be born 'neath the spreading free trade, free market wings of Capitalism. Oh, and thank god for whistleblowers, despite it is their fate to live forever with the wrath of that god.

Thank you sooo much e4e for sharing part of your story. You do know how to bait a hook, don't you?

Yours is but a microcosmic tale of how America, through the drive and inventiveness of industry, rose to total economic dominance. We kicked the booty of those poor polluted peon Commies, didn't we? We won the Cold War! Total global domination was the only, the inevitable, next step in our moral and economic evolution. We have saved the planet from those dirty trashing Communists and Third Worlders. Is this a great country or what? God bless America!

pissed off patricia said...

Ditto on being hooked, reel me in.

What would I have done? I would have been raising a new kind of hell. When it comes to the environment, I jump in with both feet. Don't always win the fight, but they know that I was there.

jen said...

Enigma, thank you for your story, for being you, and i can't wait to learn more. bless you!

Kathleen Callon said...

Look forward to the book... great excerpt.

enigma4ever said...

KATHLEEN : thanks for stopping by and yes, the book hopefully will be out in the Summer....

JENNY: Thanks for your kind words.
PISSED OFF PATRICIA: hmm, a new kind of hellraising..and thanks for thinking what you would have done.Glad that you are hooked- the book is on the way.

DADA: What can I say? your pitthy comments and perspective always make me smile...hmm, the hook has been baited, time to reel ya'in...nice and slow....wouldn't want that line to break...

Unknown said...

Why we haven't heard more about this tragic series of transgressions is beyond me. I wish we didn't have to wait for the book to hear, nor need to depend on the "Liberal" media for airing the disturbing nature of your experience E4E.

You are right, it make Erin Brokovich seem like she was digging up dirt on Snow White.

This is what I was talking about when I posted the other day about Shady Texas Ethics. It seems corruption is the rule of the day for the W, Rove and Co and those sponsoring a move toward an "ownership" society.

Blog on sister, blog on.

Kathleen Callon said...

Today's Russ's birthday. You can send him a happy b-day message at russ_feingold@feingold.senate.gov. Have a great day. Peace.

Rory Shock said...

Awesome reading and I do believe you are gonna join Jane Goodall in my tiny hall of living heroes. Rock on enigma.

enigma4ever said...

WINDSPIKE: I saw the Texas post- it was great- rendered me speechless. ..and yeah... I wish you all didn't have to wait for the book too...

QUESTION FOR THE POSSE HERE:
DO YOU THINK I SHOULD OPEN UP CHAPTERS OVER ON SILENT FALLOUT ON THE BLOGROLL OR JUST POST MORE SNIPPETS HERE ???? YOU VOTE HERE- GIVE ME YOUR INPUT- I VALUE IT...

Anonymous said...

IMO, more snippets is all I can take...the entire story in all its gory detail is just too much...plus it's still a work in progress last I looked??? needs proofreading for the final finish??

enigma4ever said...

MORE:
KATHLEEN:THANKS...done ;-)

RORY: wow...thanks...so sweet...

Maine Friend: SILENT FALLOUT is over on the Blogroll, and all I have to do is hit the PUBLISH button...for any chapters...I just have been holding off while trying to find a better publisher and AGENT....

SO WHATEVER YOU ALL WANT ? SNIPPETS HERE OR OPEN THE CHAPTERS OVER AT SILENT FALLOUT?

TFLS said...

Harrowing story. I am glad to see you survived. For every Erin Brockovich there is a Karen Silkwood, you know. As for what to blog - I say snippets. Save the bulk of the story for your book.

Good girl, by the way! What you did took courage - lots of it. Tilting at windmills is a very dangerous exercise. One most people lose at. When I was young - I'd openly confront; later - I'd follow as you did, then go to the press with the results of my investigation. Now - I'd first go to a lawyer for protection, assuming the press and local politicos were in on the bribe. I still aim for those windmills – but I’m much more careful in doing so. It’s possible to lose everything – including your life.

So what you did went way above and beyond, my dear. Whatever the outcome, I hope you feel justified – or at the very least proud as hell of your accomplishments. Bravo!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Enigma. I have to update the links etc.have been trying to get to it. Little by little.
Did the EPA come to a sample the next day? What did they find? Or did you have to get the sample?

enigma4ever said...

FLS: Thanks for your words&support ...I wrote you offline to answer some of your questions..didn't want to take up room here.

LILLY: Surely you are joking? EPA come there- the next day???!! ? You really believe that would happen? Maybe it is different in the East...in the West- esp Region X -it is 50:50 clean vs dirty. ( Meaning that many people were in the Company's Back pocket -it was very corrupt at ALL levels State and local Feds) Eventually after monthes of research on my part boxes and boxes of data. ALL the appropriate Federal Agencies ALL levels were confronted and then Federal Criminal Investigations insued....Because I contacted and couried Data to DC....The Book is mostly about WHAT the FEDS and the State Officials DID NOT and HAD NOT done in FORTY years to my little county.... As Windspike said above- made Erin B look Disney....Ever seen the Fire Down Below ? That movie has more in common with my little county and Damage Done. Now I know you want a simple answer about What was in the water and Who tested etc. Nope not that simple, actually takes 3 WHOLE chapters in the Book...But that is what happens when things are corrupt , dirty, and people are getting poisoned....And now that the Bush WH has destroyed ALL Federal Agencies ability to function or provide services and infrastructure- People are not protected, only Corporations.It is bad when Obituaries are part of the Data. ( there was plenty of data BTW lab results, reports , photos, vidoes, and more- enough to fill a Uhaul. People helped and an amazing amount was brought forward- covering 40 years of damage, and also that Multiple agencies were FOIA"d and that Process still worked at That time). Sorry that was so long winded- but that is the shortest reponse I can give....the Book answers it better....About Updating your list- considering my life has been threatened etc, I can not NAME the Evil Corporation here- it is named in the Book. You did say that your Blogfest wanted also stories regarding whistleblowers ( I don't know if citizen whistleblowers count) and also dump tales... so I think I did give a fitting, yet painful contribution...ce la vie.

enigma4ever said...

LILLY: I need to apologize- but you really threw me....about the testing and the EPA., because you see if the EPA had done their job and done it ALL along- I would not have had to see what I saw that Autumn of 1999....and I would not be on such a odyssey, even now. some of the comments above abswer some of your question, and some of of it is awswered in SILENT FALLOUT on the blogroll. Citizen Whistleblowers risk everything WHEN the Government Fails the Citizens- the Public. See I stuck it out for three years because I figured 90,000 drinking poison and 157,000 living on toxic dumps desereved Someone to care..even a nurse.And I had to laugh and ask if your were serious, because that was the joke there- HOW to get the FEDS to come to the Little County- they had only come up about 5 times in 40 years....the Seattle office was Real good at oooops looking the other way....So you see the story is not about the EPA, it is about how normal citizens fought back...and stopped the dumping...even a mom.....and how it all started in the Middle of the night...and I was serious- I want people to think Hard- What Would you do in my shoes...Because I think we are at a point in History where we can't count on the Government Period. ( I think Katrina more than proved it).

And to answer your question I drove to their EPA offices with Samples and reports and death threats multiple times 2000-2001, and they did not get their Sorry asses there until they were ordered by Senators and DC in 2002....and now maybe you see why I had to laugh...because the incompetence was Criminal...
( DC was Much better than Region X, but in the end Multiple Federal Agencies were involved- it was ugly)

Tina said...

Enigma: I know we had talked about this on the phone, but it is still so scary while reading it.
As a sidenote, my Uncle was a sheriff during the Kent State shooting. He was called to Kent State to help "calm down the student protestors"... and he saw how overzealous many of the forces were to use any means deemed necessary to stop the protests. After the students were killed, my uncle left the county's sheriff's force and had to stop being a cop totally b/c he was labeled as a "troublemaker" and "wasn't a team-player". He and my aunt and their 6 kids lost their home as a result, but he said he knew he couldn't ignore what was done at Kent State nor could he ever be a part of something like that again. Sometimes you have to follow your conscience... even if means you have to give up everything... but you already more than know that.

enigma4ever said...

Okay my son read the comments and pointed out an error on my part - I HAD THE DEATH THREATS MADE AT ME FOR TURNING THE COMPANY INTO THE FEDS...He pointed out that it sounded like I took them threats ( lord have mercy no)- what I meant was everytime I had appointments at Fed offices - 2-4 hours from my home I had threats-before or on the way....it became an expected thing...( had brakes tampered with on the one trip)...

TINA: Thanks for sharing this story...it never ceases to amaze me that so many people have such touching stories...and you are right Nothing is the same after that one moment....nothing...Peace and Blessings to you and yours and also to your Uncle- Brave man..

Graeme said...

Great story. It is so refreshing that someone would actually find out what is going on. I wonder how many people see something like that and simply pay no mind?

You are very brave and I can't wait to read your book.

Neil Shakespeare said...

Sounds like you're set to outdo Erin! Look forward to reading more.

Anonymous said...

Enigma,

WHOA!! For the clarity of all involved I do not work for the EPA,I just asked if you got a water sample! I did not mean anything by the question, just a question because yes, things do work differently here, thats true, maybe an east coast thing. I just asked because I did not know if they responded or what they had done. I have dealt with many cases where people discovered things that threatened public safety but nobody investigated it. I am not disputing that it happens or anything like that. I feel like I am defending a question that really had no implications surrounding it.

Certainly there are times when the inspectors don't act. Particularly true with mold and occupational safety. We have dealt with that in many forms.

I work with environmental groups, not against them. And I of course have seen first hand many times where pollution and dumping has been covered up, in fact we are involved in one case right now. But most likely nobody will be held accountable, thats the way of it.

I am not sure what there was about the question that triggered the response, it certainly was not meant to imply anything. I was just wondering because there are different strategies with these things. When one lake was found to have had septic dumping, the best defense was from public health. In anther case where it was a pesticide case, the most help came from conservationists working on habitat and endangered birds.

I was just asking really if it was bacterial or chemical.
Sometimes the nature of the dumping helps you find allies and friends in the environmental community that can be helpful and provide defense on a person's behalf.

enigma4ever said...

LILLY : ( Answer No I )
I am sorry if my answer caused you discomfort, I think you misunderstood WHY I answered as thoroughly as I did. I answered the questions in great detail because it occurred to me that maybe some other people might need a detailed answer in case they were dealing with their own dumping situation.( I never said you worked for the EPA).

Admittedly my story is not merely just an Intellectual Discussion of Corporate Misdeeds. But I wanted to be certain to be responsible in my answers to your questions because it might matter to other readers here- not just you.

I don't think you grasped that this situation was in no way run of the mill or normal. It is pretty clear from the post that it involved something more than septic or sewage issues. It is also clear that it involves a Large Company- the DOUBLE TANKERS REPEATEDLY DUMPING and the AROMA make it pretty clear that it was a CHEMICAL SITUATION. ( And the actual Witnessing of Such an Events).

I think when one SEES DUMPING for themselves it is difficult to know how to proceed and who to call and what to do etc. In the Book I cover the Path that the Dumping of 1999 took me on, there were no easy answers- ever. It took Multiple FOIAS and gathering of much data.

I was the First person in my little county to get in the car and drive the Data, Samples and Reports for 4 hours to the EPA offices, I did this despite Death threats, slashed tires and Tampered Brakes. I was the first Medical person in the little county to Geographically Track the Toxics as well as the Health Damage. I was the First Nurse in the Country to write and initiate a County Wide
Health Survey . It was Pure Environmental Forencsics. The EPA, ATDSR, and CDC all wanted the survey. I did share the results.Because the Local and state officials were corrupt and had been for many years, I tracked 40 years of data and damage, and took to DC as I said above. Senators became involved and DC - multiple Federal Agencies,Teams were sent and Investigations of the damage of the County ensued and are still ongoing.
157, 000 people, hundreds of acres of land and abandoned mines, and multiple water bodies involved.
( 3 chapters in the Book explain the Investigative issues).
I was the first mom, nurse in the Country to write a MultiMedia Investigation Request for the Federal Authorities ( Criminal).

These Federal Investigations Ensued Because there was NO Apprpriate Responses. This is called Knowing Endangerment when such Blatant Reponse Problem occur, and especially if Health is Harmed and if Drinking Water is involved.

I was more than fortunate, blessed I had a wonderful group of people that joined my meager humble little nonprofit. They are fearless and brave, they were school teachers,bakers, dock workers,and even government office workers parents,plant workers, and even truckers.

But because I was a Nurse, the Only Medical person to address the Health Damage, it was dangerous. I had to take a stand, because Health was effected on many levels.

I pray that no other mom ever has to do this, but if she does I pray that my book can help her seek the resources and support she needs.

(Please see Part II as it answers your questions about the Environmental Forensics of the Situation- the CONTAMINANTS. and Resources).

enigma4ever said...

PART II ANSWERS FOR LILLY:

CONTAMINANTS:
(please note these were found and documented in water,soil, air ,vegetation and people in a county).

The range includes: heavy metals, chemical compounds, illegal pesticides and fungicides, and dioxins, benzene,and PCB"S, as well as radioactive waste.

HEAVY METALS:antimony, aluminum,aresenic, beryllium, cadnium, copper, thallium, lead, silver, iron and lead,
MERCURY AND METHYLMERCURY.

( again the biggest concern was that Drinking Water for 90,000 people was affected)

The Health problems that effected and plaqued this little county was extensive and is covered by two chapters in the book.

BOOKS :
Poisoned Well
Civil Action
Lois Gibbs ( Love Canal)
Cynanide Canary
Fateful Harvest

( I will post more later)

MOVIES:
The Fire Down Below
Erin Brocavitch
Civil Action
Silkwood.

I hope that helps.

enigma4ever said...

EARTHLINK DOWN AS OF 7PM FRIDAY...ENIGMA OFFLINE UNTIL SATURDAY AM : {

Anonymous said...

I'm intrigued but then again, I always have been by your courage to go after these monsters.

enigma4ever said...

DUSTIN: Thanks for your comment...You will be one of the first people to get the book, you know that. I am inspired by people that meet New Challenges with Courage. ( Especially other enigmas of the Blogatopia). Please take care of your self. ( earthlink down- can't write to you).Good for you to stop by.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT POINT FOR READERS ABOUT CONFRONTING DUMPING:
If you see or pursue such a situation make certain to document all work thoroughly and use video and cameras to document ALL actions and meetings. This is critical. It can also improve Safety for all Involved. ( I also did take photos and videos to the Feds.)I can not emphasize the importance of this one piece of advice.

Unknown said...

All I know is this..

I just commented on "Consider the Boot" about the by-products of producing goods here in the good ol' US of A.
I know that when you make anything, there are toxic by products either extracted or created by the production process. Its inevitable. The problem is that companies promise the manufacturers that they will "stabilize" and nuetralize these toxic chemicals you named earlier in the comments E4E. Its big business..but they can;t deliver, they can't clean it up totally. Or some companies refuse to pay the cost to neutralize their waste products.

They should be charged criminally and do jail time. I personally would beat them to death with a bat if I could. They poison our air,water and ground with these toxic by-products. They make money off our backs as it were. They do it here in the san joaquin valley every day, every hour non-stop. Its all legal of course..until someone measures or tests..

then all hell breaks loose don't it?

Unknown said...

i LOVED the x-files but that wasn't real. scully and mulder were characters in a tv show. i can deal with fake. it is so very hard to even HEAR about your real story much less what you must have gone through (and are going through). WOW

enigma4ever said...

ROSE: Thanks for coming by and yeah, the XFILES was just a show...but it made my son feel smarter and braver...and in a way I wish that it had been just a bad dream...for his sake especially....

Dusty : yeah, wow- you spoke the truth good woman...really..it is about being Responsible, and holding ALL involved accountable- the companies- but also the Government Agencies...and it can take bloody forever...

LILLY: I went back and read your second comment- there are some puzzling pieces. esp the part where you talk about accoutibility and you say "that is the way of it". It sounds laiseez faire, very accepting and almost forgiving ?

And then you say " Sometimes the nature of dumping helps you find allies and friends in the Environmental Community that can be helpful and PROVIDE A DEFENSE ON A PERSON'S BEHALF".

You mention all the "CASES" that you have worked on ....is the Implcation that because ONE WITNESSES DUMPING THAT THEY NEED A DEFENSE??? WHAT are you saying ? and WHAT Groups do you work with ? ( Because I don't know ANY that would say that to someone that Witnessed Dumping) Because that is a pretty Strange thing to say to a Whistleblower, a Mom, that risked life and limb to help her community ? I think it is a very fair question.
( others commented offline and were like WHOA ? )

G'Night Readers and Enigma Cafe Posse. More snippets to come over the next few weeks, but tomoorrow's post will be back to normal Americana....

enigma4ever said...

A "YOU MIGHT WANT TO WATCH ALERT"
EDWARDS IS GOING TO BE ON MEET THE PRESS SUNDAY MARCH5,2007...

thought some of you might want to know...thanks

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the "Edwards Alert". I'm setting my DVR now. Never miss him if I can help it.

After reading that list of horrendous chemicals you detailed for Lily, and assuming the qtys far exceeded any safe levels (hell, are there any safe levels? I don't know, I'm asking) ... I'm afraid for the health of the citizens in that area, not just immediate, but long term. I assume follow-up studies are being done? So. Utah is still living with health problems from Dirty Harry, the famous A-Bomb from Hell in early 60's that spread radiation all over here. Spontaneous abortions, thyroid cancer & childhood leukemia spikes being reimbursed decades later by fed govt @ $50K per family of afflicted. Many of them say it's not the money they fought for, they wanted recognition that citizens were lied to & left to fend for themselves. Children played outside on school grounds that day. And you SMELLED it, Enigma! I can't imagine the stench. D.K.

Anonymous said...

Enigma, I just read back through yours & Lily's comments and it seems to me you are both having a "heated agreement". Maybe a misplaced word here or there might have led to a small misunderstanding, but I know you'll both figure that out. Certainly no one thinks someone who witnessed dumping needs a DEFENSE ... just the opposite, they need a strong OFFENSE (legal team to prosecute the offenders). Seems to me you are both using different words to express the same idea. Well, that's my 2-cents. Maybe we all just want to know too many details before publication. Put me on your advance sale list. D.K.

enigma4ever said...

DK :
( yes, the List was more than toxic , especially as a actual Toxic LOAD- Burden....)

No, I am sorry to say Lily and I are Not in agreement, mostly because I do not understand the "Defense" statement that she made....only she knows what she meant. Her first question aboout Testing by the EPA lett me see that she maybe has not experienced Dumping..so it was a very valid question- it was Why I gave such a detailed answer, so others could learn. But to people experiencing Dumping First Hand- and Living through it- the Defense Statement was not appropriate. ( It is like asking a Rape Victim what clothes they were wearing before the Crime.) The little town and county where I lived were used to people attempting to Intellectualize their Daily Exposure and the Horrors that went on consistantly for many years. We called it the Ostrich Syndrome. People who can not believe such a Reality or accept it have not lived it, but it is not to be judged. My mission is to tell the story so others learn and also to honor those that have already died. I carry this mission on my Blog and in the Book.Wonderful people were called dumb farmers and dumb townies, and that somehow they deserved what happened to them, It was this Criminal Attitude to allow the Crimes to perpetrated for so many Unforgiving Years. I can only tell the Truth.

Anonymous said...

Quick correction of the date when Dirty Harry nuked southern Utah: it was 1953. I know this is NOT your polluter, Enigma, but if you're interested in a quick read tracing that horrible fallout, the lengths to which small-town people have to go to pursue justice & force the gov't to take responsibility, google "Radiation Death and Deception". D.K.

enigma4ever said...

As I mentioned in one of the above comments ( CONTAMINANTS)...we too dealt with radioactive waste issues.
We also dealth with Fallout issues, certain materials should not be burned near a small town. Also radioactive waste even when mixed with Heavy Metals is very dangerous. And the damage does not diminish with time.
Sadly because our county was such a mess, it made me Study some other States that dealt with similiar issues. ( ie. Alabama, California, Nevada, New Mexico,Kentucky, and of course Idaho and Utah...)...( other poison towns: Aniston, Herculaneum, Love Canal, Times Beach, etc etc...)
Thanks for the Book tip...and here are some more....

MORE BOOKS:
New Nuclear Danger (Dr.Helen Caldicott)
Atomic Farmgirl ( Teri Hein)
The Plutonium Files ( excellent: CRITICAL READ)
Is Our Drinking Water Safe ? ( Gordon Millichap)
The Ambushed Grand Jury ( author ?)

Thanks for the Dirty Harry Connection....

People Forget that Washington State has Hanford...they shouoldn't....

PTCruiser said...

Hey E4E, you are my hero! The sorry-ass world we live in needs more people like you, sister. Keep fighting and NEVER give up. For more inspiration, check my "quote of the week" for this week.

Just let me know what it's going to cost me to get an authentic autographed copy of the book as well as where and when I line up for it. And if you need any help advertising, you know who has the San Francisco area covered, lol.

Beth said...

E4E,

Thank you for telling this story. It is truly a shame, but important for everyone to read. To watch for the signs of others that do the same.

So I see it took 2 years for you to learn who the company was and what they were dumping.

Thank you for consistent dedication to caring.

enigma4ever said...

LIZZY:
Thanks for coming by....I actually figured out the Trucks within 6 monthes after I moved to town ( the trucks were basically unmarked) but within 20 monthes I was able to find them at the Chemical plant and FILM them...By Summer of 2000- 10 monthes after I saw the dumping I had many pieces put together- but it would take monthes to gather all the proof- from many different Government offices and get the FEDS to drive to my little town...I was relentless...It took 1000's of letters and 100's of pounds of documents , and photos and video to get the people
protected - properly ...FINALLY. In the book it is explained better...much better....but thank you again.

PTCRUISER: thank you for your words...and thoughts and yes you will be put on the list...I am just a mom and a nurse...I think there are lots of people out there doing amazing things..everyday heros ...amoungst us...

Anonymous said...

All I can say is wow. You caught me on that well baited hook. I can't wait for the book to come out.

Unknown said...

Me to waiting on the book......

Stephen McArthur said...

Even though you told me alot already, this was an excellent summation! Also I wish I had some specific agents to recommend but I don't.

As a nurse, you might be interested in one of my latest entries about virgins and hymens.

enigma4ever said...

STEPHEN: Thanks for coming by and for your thoughts....I am still agent hunting...hopefully I will find one that can handle this story....( even as a nurse I know little about virgins..but I will come check your site).

WITHIN REASON: I will put you on the list...

LIBBY: You too shall be added to the List....

Thanks for coming by folks...

Kathy said...

Wow! The hair on the back of my neck stood up reading this. The fact that this all took place in the dead of the night is enough to convince me they weren't doing anything legal.

Looking forward to reading the rest.

Kathleen Callon said...

Enigma,
I'm giving you a big cyberhug... thanks for making my day. Peace.

Kat

Anonymous said...

Wow Enigma, this whole thing is news to me. Defense meant legal defense, as in a legal defense fund. I work with a LEGAL group, Enigma. I only mentioned what I do to answer your EPA question offline. I never at any time excused dumping, and anyone who knows me or what I do knows better. I am not going to disclose who I am or what I do to defend things I did not say. As far as people making comments offline, all I did was ask a question about a sample. This is a bit over the top.

I feel this was not a provoked attack on my character, I asked a simple question and did not do anything to deserve all this. I have the right to be protective of where I work and what I do. I am not going to get into my personal work life just to convince you that I asked a question out of sincerity. This is just wrong. Really wrong.

enigma4ever said...

KATHY: thanks for coming by...I am heading your way now...I will add you to the Book List...( got approached by a new publisher today ;-)

KAT: Peace to you too....and thanks for all your hard work.... (((( )))) [ those are cyber-hugs ;-)

LILLY: Please stop this- This column was an actual biographical post about DUMPING that a mom and child experienced, and what they began a Journey of No Return and the Battles that ensued. It is my story, my Truth. No one has attacked you or your character- I do not have a clue what you are talking about.The comments above are apologetic and kind and respectful, and even explanatory. I don't need battles from fellow bloggers, please stop. I really do not know what you are trying to prove. It is not about being Right or who is Wrong. The Dumping was Wrong Enough.

No Blood for Hubris said...

Cooling off period, please?

All are one same side, anti-poisoning of the environment, are they not?

enigma4ever said...

"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.
Do not try to seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them.
And the Point is to live Everything.
Live the Questions Now.
Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the Answers."

Ranier Maria Rilke, letter to a Young Poet.

The (liberal)Girl Next Door said...

What an amazing story, I also can't wait to read the book. I like to believe that I would have had the courage to do what you have done, but I will likely never know for sure. I hadn't read this post when I made my comment on your more recent post. It seems the admiration I expressed for those who speak truth to power at great personal risk could have been expressed about you as well. I admire what you have done, what you continue to do and the strength you exhibit in living your beliefs and in sharing with us as well. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

well, I have been enjoying this retrospective or best-of-enigma immensely! We all need to be reminded how one person CAN indeed make a HUGE difference. How things you never asked to be a part of can enter your own life, demanding a response that can change your life forever after. It's a harrowing tale, very compelling & deserves a good publisher. Thank you for posting these again. Just the portions you've released has got me wondering where my water is coming from, how it is treated & how safe is it to drink. Good work like this is worth a fresh pot of tea & a midnight cruller/donut. 10/13/06 ~~ D.K.

Anon-Paranoid said...

enigma...

Last night I left a comment on your posting below, but it is gone now. It disappeared after you posted this thread so I don't know what happened to it.

Anyway, I said it was still a very moving even reading it for a second time. Keep up the good work.

God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Wow! That's all I can say except Thank you.

pinkfem said...

very, very cool.

Anonymous said...

Stay safe.

Keep fighting...and stay safe.

NEWSGUY said...

I certainly do want to be notified when the book comes out. I will be nterested in knowing the current state of affairs wtih the Big Evil Polluters. I hope you get a book tour with TV and radio. That could make a big difference.

sumo said...

Well, I discovered I hadn't left a comment here. I even refreshed the page in case I was missing you. This is some sort of story I must say. You fight the good fight and stay safe. I shall gladly buy your book when it is ready. Just let us know on your blog. Peace and health to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hey enigma that is quite a story, kind of hits home in this area and a lot of this kind of dumping has gone on around here, all I can say is stay safe.

Here they use the abandoned mines and the E.P.A also turns a blind eye to the loggers who pollute the streams in the area. One of the streams that runs through my property was actually ruined by logging, via dumping oil, gas and other by-products for the operation. I even complained to the head office of this region located in Chattanooga, Tn.
And I got absolutely no where.

The big companies are in the back pocket of the E.P.A, it has become merely another place to work, a tinkling cymbal in a sea of pollution.

have a good one, great post, sounds like on heck of a good read.

enigma4ever said...

Thanks Floyd....yup...Abandoned mines- know about those too...Quarries too.....thanks for reading...and yeah, many states have toxic tales ......