EPA says state, city still lag on response to Flint crisis

In a letter released Friday, Mark Pollins of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Flint doesn’t have enough qualified personnel to ensure the city’s water system meets federal requirements on preventing lead pollution.

Flint has 44 employees running its water treatment plant and services center although 63 are needed for effective operations, EPA said.

Nevertheless, Edwards cautioned, “people should keep using their lead filters and bottled water, until further notice”.

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality spokeswoman Melanie Brown says the state received the letter and is reviewing it. Flint officials didn’t immediately respond to an email. Many other American cities have faced lead-contaminated water.

Pollins said that, while the city has made progress in complying with the emergency order, both issues require “immediate attention”, and he requested a meeting next week to discuss a timeline for the anti-corrosion plan. “Somebody covered up. We want water we can drink”, Jackson said. The corrosive river water damaged aging lead pipes and lead solder, which has been leaching into the drinking water ever since.

Some children’s blood has tested positive for lead, a potent neurotoxin linked to learning disabilities, lower IQ and behavioral problems.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Judge Greg Mathis, Flint resident Melissa Mays, and attorney Phaedra Parks led the crowd down the streets, with each speaking briefly at the church led by Pastor Herbert Miller.

The marchers not only want the lead pipes out, they also want Gov. Snyder out too.

The mile-long march across the city and over the Flint River started at the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle. A lack of corrosion control caused lead to leach from old plumbing.