Landrieu to EPA: Ensure Camp Minden Cleanup is Quick, Safe and Affordable
Senator urges EPA Administrator to consider health impact on local community in plan for cleanup
|
WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., (Military Mary) urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the cleanup process at Camp Minden is quick, safe and affordable. In a letter to EPA administrator Gina McCarthy, Sen. Landrieu highlighted the importance of properly disposing of more than 15 million pounds of M-6 explosives abandoned at Camp Minden by the Explo Company. Read Sen. Landrieu’s here. In her letter, Sen. Landrieu addressed four key areas she wants to see addressed in the EPA’s cleanup plan for Camp Minden:
Last week, the U.S. Army signed an agreement to pay for the cleanup of explosive materials at Camp Minden. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which was responsible for brokering the agreement, also signed off on the deal. Prior to the announcement by the Army, Sen. Landrieu had a phone call with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. During the call, Sen. Landrieu requested that he personally oversee the Army’s review of the final consent and quick approval of the deal. There will be a 30-day period for the public to comment on the deal, after which the EPA is expected to sign, as well. “I thank you for your assistance in holding the Army to their legal and civic responsibility to properly dispose of these materials and the substantial risk they pose to the surrounding community. I encourage all residents of the local community to submit their comments during the 30-day public comment period and we appreciate your listening to these important comments and my concerns,” Sen. Landrieu wrote. In July, following a call with Sen. Landrieu, the EPA ordered the Army to take responsibility for cleaning up of more than 15 million pounds of M-6 explosives abandoned at Camp Minden by the Explo Company. Read the order issued by the EPA. In a meeting with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder later that month, Sen. Landrieu handed a copy of the EPA order, along with a cover letter outlining her request that DOJ hold the army responsible for the Camp Minden cleanup. Read Sen. Landrieu’s letter.
- 30 - |
|
