http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011&session=1&request=getBill&doctype=HB&docno=1112 It is important to note that Indiana HB 1112 was signed by the Present of the Senate after passing through the House of Representatives. Little do you realize, this bill was created by Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) and presented to Rep. Win Moses, but he turned it down because it was not good for the people’s health in Indiana…it was good for large corporations. Phyllis Pond, however sponsored this bill and it was supported by Bob Morris. Indianapolis Star reported this bill will allow Steel Dynamics to use its industrial waste as land compost material. So how would SDI benefit from this bill? This bill, basically means industrial waste can now be spread on land as an “amendment.” Amended soil is a material added to soil to improve plant growth and health. A conditioner or a combination of conditioners corrects the soil’s deficiencies in structure and-or nutrients to improve soil fertility. SO this means that the department will allow the use of industrial waste products in a land application operation or as ingredients in a soil amendment or soil substitute on the same basis as other materials under the rules concerning land application and marketing and distribution permits.” I
Read more →Meeting 05/17/2011– Many local homeowners spoke out at the meeting because of their concern with the smoke (sometimes blue, sometimes yellow) that comes from Superior Aluminum. Their concerns for their health and their families well-being were many, but Denny Luma (President of Superior Aluminum) says, “I can’t tell you what the yellow smoke is,” giving little comfort to attendees. Testimonials heard that night were heartbreaking. “Our entire area has a tremendously high rate of cancer…everyone on my block suffers from several types of cancer.” “These are our homes, please understand our concerns. You come to work everyday for a few hours, but get to go home to clean air in your neighborhood. We cannot escape it.” “If smoke is not meant to escape, why is it when I call the Hotline number the smoke stops coming out immediately? If it is that easy to make it stop than why is it smoking to begin with?” The community has already suffered from previous problems in their neighborhoods from Superior Aluminum. In April 2010, 10 families evacuated their homes due to a chlorine spill. Article located here: “Chlorine escaped the building and 10 families had to leave their homes.”In order to offer
Read more →Mercury Contamination in 96% of Wastewater Discharge Samples from Public Treatment Facilities (USGS)
High Mercury Levels Found in Water Throughout Indiana http://www.wqpmag.com/High-Mercury-Levels-Found-in-Water-Throughout-Indiana-newsPiece22021 USGS study shows that rain and wastewater discharges are sources November 18, 2010 Mercury contamination in water and fish throughout Indiana has routinely exceeded levels recommended to protect people and wildlife, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). About 1 in 8 fish samples tested statewide had mercury that exceeded the recommended safety limit for human consumption. The causes include mercury in the rain and mercury going down the drain, according to a recently released federal study. The most significant source of mercury to Indiana watersheds is fallout from the air. Much of the mercury in the air comes from human activity. In Indiana, coal-burning power plants emit more mercury to the air each year than any other human activity. In urban areas, wastewater discharge contributes a substantial portion of mercury to waterways. These are among the key findings of a comprehensive study of mercury in the states watersheds during the past decade by the USGS in partnership with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Indiana has been a national leader in understanding its mercury problems through a long-term statewide network of monitoring, said USGS hydrologist
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