Governor: Michigan environmental agency failed Flint

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Mar 17, 3:34 AM EDT
Governor: Michigan environmental agency failed Flint

By MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says the state Department of Environmental Quality repeatedly assured him and other officials that water from the Flint River was safe, when in reality it had dangerous levels of lead.

Snyder tells Congress he did not learn that Flint's water was contaminated until nearly 18 months after the city began drawing its water from the Flint River in April 2014 to save money.

Snyder said he took immediate action, reconnecting the city with Detroit's water supply and distributing water filters and testing residents - especially children - for elevated lead levels.

Snyder and Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy are set to testify Thursday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The session is the second of two Flint-related hearings this week.






Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_FLINT_WATER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-03-17-03-34-37

[modrepub]

1. So who was running MI DEQ?

Someone the governor appointed who was tasked with carrying out the Gov's policies? Well at least he's on record in case the evidence says contrary. I know the US EPA Administrator that covers MI resigned over this.

[Festivito]

2. MI DEQ tests the water. Conflict of interest right there. Blame to EPA doesn't pass smell test.

Someone, here in Michigan, had impetus to not test worst case places; instead directing tests to new piping areas. I do not know if EPA had duty to test on its own or just to read the tests the state provided.

Lots of bad smells here in Michigan at the moment.

[blackspade]

3. What a load of bullshit.

Snyder is the one running the show. This is all on him.

[llmart]

4. Passing the buck......

Snyder is responsible. Period. He's the one who pushed for the emergency manager. The Michigan taxpayers should not be forced to pay for this jackass Republican's defense either.