F Flint Water Crisis Public Archive

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David Murray Karen Tommasulo

Advisory Task Force media Q&A

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This is the media Q&A we put together for the task force members. Let me know what changes you’d like to see. Karen Tommasulo Public Information Officer Michigan Department of Environmental Quality 517-284-6716 | 517-599-5733 tommasuick@raichigan. gov xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails21_b0157_0284_0284_1

FLINT WATER : New form letter- questions

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Hi Team, Piease see below the proposed Flint Vater form letter... For our knowledge/ not the letter: H someone cari give me inforrnation on the initial switch that would be helpful- when, why. Also, ine action timeline from when the state found out about the lead, up to today. Let me know if we are good to go an the letter. Thank you, Laura Thank you for your recent correspondence sent to Governor Rick Snyder regarding the water in Flint. As a member of Governor Snyder's staff, | am responding on his behalf. Flint families and children will be better protected by reconnecting with the Great Lakes Water Authority as the source of the city’s drinking water until the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline is completed. Governor Snyder has asked the state Legislature to provide half, or $6 million, of the $12 million needed to reconnect with the authority through next summer, when the KWA is expected to be completed. The Flint city government will provide $2 million and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has committed $4 million. Governor Snyder said “Flint residents need to have access to safe, clean, water now and long into the future.” The technical experts helping the city on its water advisory all agree this move back to the Great Lakes Water Authority provides the best public health protection for children and families. The Governor appreciates Detroit's willingness to reconnect with Flint, the Mott Foundation’s generous commitment, and the dedication of all parties to come together to protect Flint families and children. Flint city leaders requested the state’s help to fund the reconnection and to assist with health and infrastructure issues. Flint’s move to the Great Lakes Water Authority is expected to cost about $1.3 million per month until the Karegnondi Water Authority is completed next summer. The move to Detroit water, which is expected to carry, carries many public health benefits. As large bodies of water, the Great Lakes are naturally prone to fewer problems from large rain events and other runoff issues that can sometimes be present in shallower rivers. Additionally, the Great Lakes 1 xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails21_b0267_0568_0570_1 Water Authority water already has additional corrosion control, using phosphates to help coat the insides of pipes and limit lead from leaching into the water. However, reconnecting with the authority will not completely resolve the city’s problem with lead service lines or aging infrastructure. It will take time for pipes in Flint to become coated with the phosphate corrosion control. Additionally, some households in the city could experience lead in their drinking water until all lead pipes and plumbing are replaced. To best protect public health, Governor Snyder, state, and local authorities will continue to carry out steps outlined on Oct. 2 in a comprehensive action plan, including continued testing, the use of faucet filters and providing residents with accurate information about steps to eliminate lead exposure. The Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also committed an additional $3.5 million for water filters, free lead testing through the state laboratory for Flint water customers, and hiring additional staff to conduct health exposure monitoring for lead in drinking water. Free filters are available for current MDHHS clients at the 125 E. Union St. or 4809 Clio Road MDHHS office locations. For residents who are not currently enrolled in MDHHS assistance programs, free filters are available at the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department offices at 2727 Lippincott and 601 North Saginaw in Flint. Staff will be at all four locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to distribute filters and assist residents who have questions about proper installation. At the Lippincott location only, extended hours will be offered this weekend, including until 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Other good practices for residents concerned about lead include turning on the cold water tap and running the water until it's as cold as it will go. Additionally, only use cold water for cooking, drinking and especially mixing baby formula. School test results released; more investigation planned The state also released the first results from its lead screening program in schools and homes. Of 37 total samples taken at 13 buildings, four samples spread over three buildings exceeded the federal action level of 15 parts per billion. However, this sampling provides only an initial screen, and the state is committing to further testing water and inspecting plumbing at these schools. Until testing is complete, schools are advised to continue using bottled water and filtration as a precaution to protect children. In addition, free testing is still available for any other Flint school, including daycares and Head Starts. Free testing is also available for any Flint resident. Please visit Michigan.gov/Flintwater for additional resources. Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your concerns with our office. Should you have any further comments, questions or concerns regarding this or any other state-related matter, I've included my contact information below. Sincerely, Laura Stoken xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails21_b0267_0568_0570_2 Manager, Constituent Relations Executive Office of the Governor, Rick Snyder 517.335.7858 xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails21_b0267_0568_0570_3

RE: PLEASE review: Draft MLive guest column

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This version includes the additional information about the filters. By Nick Lyon and Dan Wyant People in Flint — and all of Michigan — need to know that that then they turn on the faucet, the water they drink and bathe their children with, is safe and clean. Flint residents have been hearing concerning news about the municipal water supply for more than a year. We're working to help Flint leaders address and fix short- and long-term problems with the city’s water infrastructure. A recent announcement by local doctors that blood lead levels are rising in children residing in Flint’s most at-risk ZIP codes added to the state’s knowledge and sparked some additional precautionary measures. Experts are still working the data to determine exactly what it means, but the state takes lead seriously. State agencies also are working in collaboration with the federal and Flint leaders to get residents accurate information to ease their fears. Gov. Rick Snyder directed the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Health and Human Services to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a comprehensive action plan to build our knowledge about lead in Flint, better protect the community and restore public confidence in the regulatory framework. We're testing the water in all of our schools so we know that our children are safe. We're testing residences at no charge and expanding health exposure testing so families can be confident about the water coming into their homes. We're providing faucet filters to Flint homes. The state is investing $1 million on this effort, building on the generosity and support of community groups and donors. We're accelerating corrosion controls in the Flint drinking water system. xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b0934_2534_2537_1 We're increasing the pace of water system improvements to address replacing lead service lines. We're expediting the completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline. We're expanding the Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee to ensure the best technology, practices and science are being followed by adding an expert from the U.S. EPA’s Office of Research and Development. The DHHS’s chief medical executive, Dr. Eden Wells, has been designated Flint’s drinking water public health adviser. We're also boosting a comprehensive lead education program to make sure residents have detailed information about how to protect themselves and their homes. That's key, because the lead in question does not come from the Flint River. The water leaving the drinking water plant is clean and safe. The water traveling through the distribution system also is free of lead. The lead issues happen when the water reaches homes that have lead service lines or lead plumbing. This is important to know for two reasons: Contamination happens at the homeowner level, it is very difficult to track precisely. And, the longer water sits in lead pipes, the more lead it takes on, so homes on the same block might have very different results from lead testing, based on what kind of plumbing they have and how homeowners use their water. All of the measures in the action plan build on efforts that have been underway for the last year. State agencies have been working with the city on a variety of issues and approaches to correct Flint’s water infrastructure challenges. That's because the health and safety of Flint residents — and people across our state — is our first priority. More information about the action plan and lead is available at People interested in getting their homes tested for free should call (810) 787-653, then press 1. Nick Lyon is the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Dan Wyant is the director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

PLEASE review: Draft MLive guest column

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Team, this is a draft guest column for MLive, building on the draft that Brad wrote — but with changes to focus on the action plan. | tried a more people-centered approach, thinking that the audience here is the residents. It’s less defensive. It’s also shorter. Please let me know if we need to make any changes, or if we are missing information you think should be in there. Dave By Nick Lyon and Dan Wyant People in Flint — and all of Michigan — need to know that that then they turn on the faucet, the water they drink and bathe their children with, is safe and clean. Flint residents have been hearing concerning news about the municipal water supply for more than a year. We're working to help Flint leaders address and fix short- and long-term problems with the city’s water infrastructure. A recent announcement by local doctors that blood lead levels are rising in children residing in Flint’s most at-risk ZIP codes added to the state’s knowledge and sparked some additional precautionary measures. Experts are still working the data to determine exactly what it means, but the state takes lead seriously. State agencies also are working in collaboration with the federal and Flint leaders to get residents accurate information to ease their fears. Gov. Rick Snyder directed the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Health and Human Services to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a comprehensive action plan to build our knowledge about lead in Flint, better protect the community and restore public confidence in the regulatory framework. We're testing the water in all of our schools so we know that our children are safe. We're testing residences at no charge and expanding health exposure testing so families can be confident about the water coming into their homes. We're providing faucet filters to people who are in state assistance programs. We're accelerating corrosion controls in the Flint drinking water system. We're increasing the pace of water system improvements to address replacing lead service lines. We're expediting the completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline. xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b0934_2534_2537_3 We're expanding the Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee to ensure the best technology, practices and science are being followed by adding an expert from the U.S. EPA’s Office of Research and Development. The DHH$'’s chief medical executive, Dr. Eden Wells, has been designated Flint’s drinking water public health adviser. We're also boosting a comprehensive lead education program to make sure residents have detailed information about how to protect themselves and their homes. That's key, because the lead in question does not come from the Flint River. The water leaving the drinking water plant is clean and safe. The water traveling through the distribution system also is free of lead. The lead issues happen when the water reaches homes that have lead service lines or lead plumbing. This is important to know for two reasons: Contamination happens at the homeowner level, it is very difficult to track precisely. And, the longer water sits in lead pipes, the more lead it takes on, so homes on the same block might have very different results from lead testing, based on what kind of plumbing they have and how homeowners use their water. All of the measures in the action plan build on efforts that have been underway for the last year. State agencies have been working with the city on a variety of issues and approaches to correct Flint’s water infrastructure challenges. That's because the health and safety of Flint residents — and people across our state — is our first priority. More information about the action plan and lead is available at People interested in getting their homes tested for free should call (810) 787-653, then press 1. Nick Lyon is the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Dan Wyant is the director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Dave Murray Deputy Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b0934_2534_2537_4

RE: DRAFT Action plan press release

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This isn’t formatted yet, but wanted to get a version out there as | continue to work on this. | tried to focus on the human element, and where people can get information. Tried to be light on the jargon. Please give a quick read. Dave Oct. 2, 2015 For More Information: Sara Wurfel or Dave Murray ‘st, 517-284-6713, Angela Minicuci Gov. Rick Snyder: Comprehensive action plan will help Flint residents address water concerns Collaborative effort with state, federal and city leaders focuses on testing, assistance FLINT, Mich. — Flint residents need to have access to safe, clean, water now and long into the future, Gov. Rick Snyder said, announcing a comprehensive action plan created with state, federal and city leaders to address concerns about drinking water. The water leaving Flint’s drinking water system is safe to drink, but some families with lead plumbing in their homes might experience higher levels of lead in the water that comes out of their faucets. The action plan focuses on increasing water testing, offering additional precautions for families with lead plumbing in their homes, and providing long-term solutions to address the city’s water infrastructure challenges. The plan was xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b0909_2476_2478_1 created at Snyder’s direction by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the City of Flint. “We are deeply concerned by the lead results we are seeing in parts of Flint,” Snyder said. “People are worried about their health and their families, and they need to have accurate information. Today’s action plan builds upon ongoing work with state and federal agencies and our partnership with city and community leaders. Together, we are working to ensure that all Flint residents can feel safe and address potential problems.” The city and the state also are working together to gather more data to ensure the water that leaves the treatment plant as well as the water that arrives in Flint homes is safe for all residents. The plan includes: e Testing in Flint public schools immediately to ensure that drinking water is safe, with testing also available at no cost to any other school in Flint. e Expanding health exposure testing of individual homes. e Offering free water testing to Flint residents to assure their drinking water is safe. e Beginning an optimization of corrosion controls in the Flint drinking water system. e Convening a Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee to ensure the best technology, practices and science are being followed, and adding an expert from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development to the group. e Accelerating water system improvements to address replacement of lead service lines. e Naming Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as the Flint drinking water public health adviser. e Providing Flint residents with water filters for their faucets. e Expanding a comprehensive lead education initiative to make sure residents have detailed information about to protect themselves and their homes. Expediting the completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline. Residents can have their water tested by calling 810-787-6537 and pressing 1, or emailing Sitiwates@ictyotinicom. Additional information is available at ywwyw.in State health experts said there has been an increase in elevated childhood blood lead levels in some specific communities. Initial analysis of MDHHS data found that blood lead levels of children in Flint have followed an expected seasonal trend. While this analysis for Flint as a whole remains true, a comprehensive and detailed review breaking down data by ZIP codes with the city revealed that MDHHS data is consistent with a study presented recently by Hurley Children’s Hospital. xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b0909_2476_2478_2 “While we cannot conclusively say that the water source change is the sole cause of the increase, this analysis supports our efforts as we take active steps to reduce all potential lead exposures in Flint,” MDHHS Director Nick Lyon said. “As part of this, we are working closely with our public and private partners to provide Flint residents on MDHHS assistance programs with water filters and educate families about the steps they can take to reduce all lead exposures in their home.” As a part of the action plan, MDHHS is making National Sanitation Foundation certified water filters available to clients who are active Family Independence Program, Food Assistance Program, Child Development and Care or Social Security Insurance recipients. “This action plan offers concrete steps we will take in a local, state and federal partnership to ensure all Flint residents have safe water to drink,” DEQ Director Dan Wyant said. “The DEQ will work closely with the city to gather further data to ensure the water that leaves Flint’s system as well as the water that arrives in Flint homes is safe to drink.” HE Dave Murray Deputy Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder MurrayDl @ michiga: “Twitter: @michiga ndmurray xxxEND_PAGE:executiveofficeemails20_b0909_2476_2478_3

DRAFT Action plan press release

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This isn’t formatted yet, but wanted to get a version out there as | continue to work on this. | tried to focus on the human element, and where people can get information. Tried to be light on the jargon. Please give a quick read. Dave Oct. 2, 2015 For More Information: Sara Wurfel or Dave Murray Brad Waurfel, 517-284-6713, Angela Minicuci Gov. Rick Snyder: Comprehensive action plan will help Flint residents address water concerns Collaborative effort with state, federal and city leaders focuses on testing, assistance FLINT, Mich. — Flint residents need to have access to safe, clean, water now and long into the future, Gov. Rick Snyder said, announcing a comprehensive action plan created with state, federal and city leaders to address concerns about drinking water. The water leaving Flint’s drinking water system is safe to drink, but some families with lead plumbing in their homes might experience higher levels of lead in the water that comes out of their faucets. The action plan focuses on increasing water testing, offering additional precautions for families with lead plumbing in their homes, and providing long-term solutions to address the city’s water infrastructure 1 xxxEND_PAGE:deq14_b0588_1955_1957_1 challenges. The plan was created at Snyder's direction by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the City of Flint. “We are deeply concerned by the lead results we are seeing in parts of Flint,” Snyder said. “People are worried about their health and their families, and they need to have accurate information. Today’s action plan builds upon ongoing work with state and federal agencies and our partnership with city and community leaders. Together, we are working to ensure that all Flint residents can feel safe and address potential problems.” The city and the state also are working together to gather more data to ensure the water that leaves the treatment plant as well as the water that arrives in Flint homes is safe for all residents. The plan includes: e Testing in Flint public schools immediately to ensure that drinking water is safe, with testing also available at no cost to any other school in Flint. e Expanding health exposure testing of individual homes. e Offering free water testing to Flint residents to assure their drinking water is safe. e Beginning an optimization of corrosion controls in the Flint drinking water system. e Convening a Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee to ensure the best technology, practices and science are being followed, and adding an expert from the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development to the group. e Accelerating water system improvements to address replacement of lead service lines. e Naming Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as the Flint drinking water public health adviser. e Providing Flint residents with water filters for their faucets. e Expanding a comprehensive lead education initiative to make sure residents have detailed information about to protect themselves and their homes. e Expediting the completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline. Residents can have their water tested by calling 810-787-6537 and pressing 1, or emailing # rt. Additional information is available at State health experts said there has been an increase in elevated childhood blood lead levels in some specific communities. Initial analysis of MDHHS data found that blood lead levels of children in Flint have followed an expected seasonal trend. While this analysis for Flint as a whole remains true, a comprehensive and detailed review breaking down data by ZIP codes with the city revealed that MDHHS data is consistent with a study presented recently by Hurley Children’s Hospital. xxxEND_PAGE:deq14_b0588_1955_1957_2 “While we cannot conclusively say that the water source change is the sole cause of the increase, this analysis supports our efforts as we take active steps to reduce all potential lead exposures in Flint,” MDHHS Director Nick Lyon said. “As part of this, we are working closely with our public and private partners to provide Flint residents on MDHHS assistance programs with water filters and educate families about the steps they can take to reduce all lead exposures in their home.” As a part of the action plan, MDHHS is making National Sanitation Foundation certified water filters available to clients who are active Family Independence Program, Food Assistance Program, Child Development and Care or Social Security Insurance recipients. “This action plan offers concrete steps we will take in a local, state and federal partnership to ensure all Flint residents have safe water to drink,” DEQ Director Dan Wyant said. “The DEQ will work closely with the city to gather further data to ensure the water that leaves Flint’s system as well as the water that arrives in Flint homes is safe to drink.” HHH Dave Murray Deputy Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder OY 517-449-8343, mobile Twitter:@michigandmurray xxxEND_PAGE:deq14_b0588_1955_1957_3

FW: interview for article on Flint drinking water

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Hi Dave, Here’s the info Steve Busch on our drinking water staff has already sent to Chastity. | didn’t realize the question on the mayor’s letter to the Governor was just one question in a string of them, so it looks like he did provide quite a bit of information already. However, he has not had any other conversation with her. Sara said you would be in touch on coordinating a response, so | wanted to make sure you had all the info. Let me know how you’d like to proceed. Karen