Flint Drinking Water Action Plan Update - FOIA EXEMPT AND ATTORNEY-CLIENT
- From
- Karen Shaler
PRIVILEGED
The Flint Drinking Water Action Plan was announced on October 2, 2015. It included the following:
e Testing in Flint public schools immediately
Offered free water testing to Flint residents
Provided free water filters to residents with concerns or who are included in state assistance
programs
Expanding health exposure testing of individual homes
Accelerating corrosion controls in the Flint drinking water system
Accelerating water system improvements to address replacing lead service lines
Expediting the completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline
Expanding a Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee
Named Dr. Eden Wells as the Flint drinking water public health advisor
Boosted a comprehensive lead education program
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Testing in Flint Public Schools Immediately
Samples were taken on October 2 and were received at DEQ laboratory over the weekend. Test
results to date indicate 37 samples tested, 4 of which exceeded a federal action level, and 1 of those
4 was a significant outlier. We will be compiling detailed information about which schools and area
codes the test results came from and will be providing that information in our next update.
We have met with DHHS, and we are working on developing response protocols, a communications
plan, and guidance for schools when this data is reported.
Offered Free Water Testing to Flint Residents
We have received 4 sets of samples from Flint that represent individual residents. We will be
compiling the total number and the results of those samples and reporting in a future report.
Provided Free Water Filters to Residents with Concerns or Who are Included in State Assistance
Programs
DHHS held organizational meetings in Flint on October 5, and filter distribution by DHHS started on
October 6. Nick Lyon in DHHS is taking the lead in filter distribution.
Expanding Health Exposure Testing of Individual Homes
Dr. Wells and Dan Wyant have been in conversations about a protocol for exposure testing. Dr.
Wells will take the lead on developing the protocol.
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Accelerating Corrosion Controls in the Flint Drinking Water System
A conference call was held with U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman and national
corrosion control experts. We asked two questions:
1. Which is a safer water source - DWSD or Flint River?
2. If you don’t have an opinion on the safer source, what criteria should we use for an
evaluation?
EPA staff would not commit to a preference, but their evaluation of the criteria clearly lead to
the conclusion that DWSD was a safer water source. EPA committed to submitting technical
assistance to the Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee)
meeting, which will be held on October 7 at 2:00 p.m. in Flint City Hall.
DEQ met with the Flint Mayor, the city manager, and their water staff. Flint agreed to
expediting corrosion controls. We discussed the agenda for the Advisory Committee
meeting. The Advisory Committee will be asked to evaluate two respective water sources at
their Wednesday meeting.
We expect the Advisory Committee to recommend the water source that would address not
only lead safety but also other water safety issues.
Accelerating Water System Improvements to Address Replacing Lead Service Lines
Conversations with Congressman Kildee and EPA have clarified the state would be allowed to use
Drinking Water Revolving Loan funds to replace private drinking water service lines. Senator Ananich
has been approached to introduce language clarifying the state’s authority.
Expediting the Completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority Pipeline
Dan Wyant has talked to Genesee County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright. Mr. Wright has provided
a list of issues that would help expedite the completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority
pipeline. They include truck weight and frost law exemptions, talent identification, and expediting
permits.
Expanding a Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee
EPA has appointed their national technical expert to the Advisory Committee, and we have appointed
Alfred Franzblau, M.D., Professor of Environmental Health Services, University of Michigan, to the
Advisory Committee.
Named Dr. Eden Wells as the Flint Drinking Water Public Health Advisor
Boosted a Comprehensive Lead Education Program
Other Updates
e Dan Wyant was interviewed on October 6 by CBS Evening News during filter distribution in
Flint. Questions asked were:
o Was it a mistake to go to Flint River water?
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Answer: We draw water from the surface waters; we treat it to safe drinking water
standards. At issue is lead exposure. Lead exposure must be addressed. Actions are
being taken to address the issue.
Did you put kids at risk?
Answer: Lead exposure is a serious issue, and steps need to be taken to limit lead
exposure.
Why did it take so long?
Answer: DEQ has been there from the beginning addressing the issue of Flint
water. Recent tests justify and require the actions taken. Action steps address short-
term, intermediate, and long-term lead issues to ensure public safety and confidence of
the drinking water.
e Dan Wyant also spoke to the Governor about Flint funding needs. A meeting is scheduled for
October 7 at 8:00 a.m. to further discuss proposals.
e What we are telling Flint citizens is:
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Have your water tested
Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing formula
Run water before use if it has not been used for several hours
Obtain a water filter approved for lead removal
Purchase lead-free plumbing components
Remove entire lead service lines
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