Alberton Community Coalition for Environmental Health
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More than four years after a Montana Rail Link train derailed releasing 133 tons of mixed-chemicals into the lower Clark Fork River Valley residents will finally have their day in court through the office of the National EPA Ombudsman, Robert Martin. (An Ombudsman is a government official, who investigates citizens' complaints against the government and other entities.)
Ombudsman Martin initiated an investigation more than a year ago upon the request of numerous citizens and Senator Max Baucus. Since that time the Ombudsman has made several field visits to Alberton, MT. In 1998 Robert Martin won the Project On Government Oversight's "Beyond the Headlines Award." Danielle Brian, Project On Government Oversight's Executive Director, commended Mr. Martin for his special service: "We are proud to recognize a federal worker who is virtually unknown in Washington, yet is so wildly popular outside the beltway. His willingness to take shots from all sides in the interest of pursuing environmental justice makes him a national treasure."
Mr. Martin has gained a national reputation for his history of placing public interest over private gain. His major reviews of several EPA Superfund sites, including Times Beach, MO; Brio, TX; and Drake Chemical, PA, have resulted in improved environmental protections while at the same time resolving long-standing conflicts between government, industry, and communities. 80% of the major cases Mr. Martin has investigated have resulted in criminal referrals or the impanelment of a Federal Grand Jury.
Alberton Community Coalition Director, Lucinda Hodges, states:"The purpose of this hearing is to seek the facts--on the record--concerning the events and aftermath of the 1996 train derailment and chemical spill. None of us have had an opportunity to learn the facts concerning the derailment that harmed our community. Many families settled their claim against Montana Rail Link for small sums of money not realizing long-term chronic health problems would plague them and their children for a lifetime. The Ombudsman Hearing will be the last opportunity for everyone concerned to tell their story and have it count on the record."
The public is encouraged to attend and testify at the Ombudsman Hearing on Saturday, November 11th, 2000, at the Boone and Crockett Club inside the Old Milwaukee Depot in Missoula, MT. The Hearing will begin at 9:00 am and continue throughout the day with testimony from all stakeholders involved in the 1996 train derailment and mixed-chemical spill. Refreshments will be available. For more information contact Dixie Robertson at 722-4969, Beverly Ridenour 722-4963, or Lucinda Hodges at 728-7572.
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Get the Facts Out by Speaking Out
Let Your Voices Be Heard
WHAT: National EPA Ombudsman Hearing, investigating the facts and impacts of the 1996 MRL derailment and mixed chemical spill.
WHERE: Boone and Crockett Club, Old Milwaukee Depot, Missoula MT.
WHEN: Saturday, November 11, 2000.
TIME: 9:00 am until everyone has spoken.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Any person involved in or affected by the derailment. Anyone interested in listening to the testimony is welcome.
WHY? This is your chance to set the record straight, speak about your experience, and listen to the experiences of others in your community, as well as hear the testimony of medical experts, scientists, federal/state government officials, and Montana Rail Link.
WHY, AFTER MORE THAN FOUR YEARS ARE WE HAVING A FEDERAL HEARING AND INVESTIGATION? The wheels of justice move VERY slowly. It has taken more than four years for the federal government to respond to citizens' concerns. This is what MRL's President, Mr. Brodsky, must have meant by the long haul!
WRITTEN TESTIMONY: Bring your written comments with you to the hearing to be added to the public record, as well as any supporting documents, evidence, or items such as your medications. If you cannot attend, mail your comments to: National EPA Ombudsman, Robert Martin, mail code 5101, 401 M St. SW, Washington D.C. 20460; or call 1-800-262-7937 for more information about the office of the Ombudsman.
Local Contacts: Dixie Robertson/722-4969, Beverly Ridenour/722-4963, Lucinda Hodges 728-7572.
Refreshments will be available.
Please sign the Alberton Community Coalition for Environmental Health's (ACCEH) Petition