SLUDGE VICTIMS

UMWA SYNOPSIS

June 20, 1999 - John P. Acey, Jr., President of the UMWA (United Mine Workers of America) local 1303 sent to NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) division of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) a request for a health hazard evaluation (HHE). In the HHE request Mr. Acey described the possible hazard as: "Working within feet of Non Exceptional Quality Class B Biosolids that contain endotoxins, pathogens and dioxins within the restricted 30 day period will be a health hazard to all employees. Employees will have the risk of disease and illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi and intestinal worms present in Class B Biosolids." Mr. Acey knew the site restrictions established by EPA to protect public health from sludge exposure did not apply to workers.

July 7, 1999 - Wheelabrator Water Technologies Inc., BioGro Division spread Class B Non - Exceptional Quality Biosolids from the city of Philadelphia to an active strip mine operation in Centre County, PA. BioGro's sludge site was literally feet away from the UMWA's work area. Thomas M. Reed and another UMWA member experienced dizziness, nausea and bloody vomit. Six of their co-workers also were sickened with flu-like symptoms. Symptoms ranged from burning eyes, sore throats, generation of mucus, headaches, nausea, vomiting , numbness of the face, skin disorders, dizziness, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

July 1999 - The UMWA (United Mine Workers of America) Safety Representatives notified NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) of their men's illnesses and requested that NIOSH begin their Health Hazard Evaluation.

August 16, 1999 - In response to their men's illnesses UMWA International Safety Representative, James Lamont scheduled a meeting with PA DEP of Hawkrun. At the August 16, 1999 meeting two DEP representatives, John Varner and Doug Saylor, became hostile - and made the statement, "the only way to become infected is if you would walk through sludge barefooted you may get ringworm." This is the same DEP office which earlier (June 18, 1999) released a false bee sting theory being the cause of young Tony's death.

August 16, 1999 - The same day of the DEP meeting EPA Microbiologist Dr. David Lewis was contacted about the men's illnesses. Dr. Lewis was asked if the symptoms experienced by the mine workers could be from sludge exposure.

August 17, 1999 - Dr. Lewis responded to the mine workers illnesses in an email: "Although I am interested in pathogen problems, I have of late been looking into what appears to be potentially serious problems with some of the odor-causing gases generated by sludge." "Exposure to sufficiently high concentrations of gaseous organic amines (from sludge) can cause severe irritation of the eyes and skin, and damage to mucus membranes leading to pulmonary edema (bleeding in the respiratory system). These toxic gases can also cause damage to the lungs, liver, and other internal organs. Initial symptoms include eye irritation, skin rashes, burning in the mouth, nose, or throat, generation of mucus, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Such damaged tissues can serve as a port of entry for bacterial or viral pathogens, leading to flu-like infections, pneumonia, or bacteremia/septicaemia." "The effects of organic amine poisoning are serious, sometimes irreversible, and can lead to life-threatening complications. In my opinion, this is a potentially significant public health problem that should be seriously investigated."

August 26, 1999 - NIOSH visited the UMWA site and took 10 samples of sludge to have analyzed. Nancy Burton, Certified Industrial Hygienist from NIOSH wore a mask and protective clothing while taking these samples.

August 27, 1999 - UMWA James Lamont met with PA DEP and several representatives from the coal company where the miners were employed. Both the PA DEP and the coal company representatives insinuated the affected workers had blue flu - meaning the miners were making their illnesses up. Mr. Lamont felt this statement was really out of line and very unprofessional, especially since Mr. Reed had to seek medical attention and was treated at a local hospital for his illnesses.

December 8, 1999 - UMWA John Acey sent a letter to NIOSH requesting an amendment to their original HHE investigation to include toxic organic amines gas exposure. The letter contained the following: "Several UMWA (United Mine Workers of America) members became ill after Class B non-exceptional quality sludge was spread within feet of their work area and haul road. The symptoms experienced by the men are very similar to organic amine toxic gas exposure.