March 2003

ACTION ALERT: DNR Ignores Risks to Children and Infants!

The DNR’s assessment of cancer risks associated with inhalation of toxic emissions from open burning buildings at Badger only evaluated risks to adults.  In addition to other omissions -- including no assessment of non-cancer risks, ecological risks, environmental risks, and cumulative risks – the DNR did NOT assess risks to CHILDREN AND INFANTS!! 

DNR officials said children were not included in their study because (1) the current EPA method for evaluating risk to children is old, (2) the new EPA method will not be finalized for at least 6 months, (3) even if the new method was available, this type of assessment could take as long as a year, and (4) there are other more significant air emission sources that require the Department’s attention. 

Ironically, the EPA published findings this week that infants and toddlers have a 10 times greater cancer risk than adults when exposed to certain chemicals.  The federal government is proposing tougher environmental guidelines that would take into account the greater hazards to the very young.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

PLEASE write a letter demanding assessment of ALL risks to children and infants for ALL routes of exposure (not just inhalation) before ANY burning is done at Badger.  Your letter should also include a strong recommendation that IF burning is ultimately approved, comprehensive environmental monitoring should be conducted.  (The DNR’s current plan contains NO requirements for monitoring air, soil, or surface water.) 

Send your written comments to: Barbara Pavliscak, Air Management, Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources, 1500 N. Johns Street Dodgeville, WI 53533 or email Barbara.Pavliscak@dnr.state.wi.us

 Also, if open burning is ultimately approved, the DNR will establish a notification list for anyone that would like to know in advance when a burn is going to occur.  If you would like to receive written notification of an upcoming burn, include your request and your contact information with your comments.

Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger
E12629 Weigand’s Bay South
Merrimac, WI  53561
(608) 643-3124 phone
(608) 643-0005 fax
info@cswab.org
www.cswab.org
 

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