1/13/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

BOOK 10 PAPP 101 Sidney Turner, of 8775 20' Street, stated that, after reading about the continuing problem in Port St. Lucie, he became concerned that a similar or worse condition could exist in Vero Beach from the Piper spill affecting well #15 near the airport, which supplied drinking water for many residents in 1978. The EPA notified Piper in 1990 that the groundwater still contained TCE. He believed that a higher than normal number of childhood cancers in Ft Pierce are linked to TCE. His objective is not to cause panic and he is aware that experts are attempting to determine what is causing those cancers. However, the link between TCE in the groundwater and those cancers appears to be strong. He questioned whether a study has been made to learn whether there are a larger number of childhood cancers in this area and hoped the Commissioners will use their influence to obtain this information. Frank Zorc, of 2044 DeLeon Avenue, cited a recent article in the Press -Journal and implored the Board to hear the information and consider what actions may be proper. County property owners pay taxes to and for the operation of the City of Vero Beach, including the water plant, and Indian River County residents drink City water. Mr. Zorc quoted from several articles (an October, 1997, Palm Beach Post report; a December, 1997, Scientific American article) which stated that toxic spills could take decades to eliminate. He questioned the impact of the Piper spill on the Vero Beach water supply and expressed his concern over the on-going clean-up efforts. He felt there has been a mishandling of public information with apparent coverups by City officials and expressed his belief that City officials make decisions behind closed doors in secret on public issues in violation of Sunshine Laws. He asked the Board to conduct some research and find answers to the problem. Commissioner Ginn commented that Mr. Zorc and Mr. Turner had come to see her last week to discuss this matter and she thought it might be wise to include Indian River County in the study being done. However, she spoke with Jean Kline, Indian River County Health Department Administrator, who is here to give an updated report. Jean Kline, Administrator of the Health Department, stated that she welcomed Commissioner Ginn's call about the St Lucie -Martin County Study. She had attended the initial meetings with representatives- of the University of Miami, the American Cancer Society, Representatives Sembler and Pruitt, and a representatives from Suffer the Children, JANUARY 13, 1998 -44- 0 0