CHU would llke to invite everyone concerned with the problem to attend our next public meeting, Sat., March 28, at 11:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church, 270 N. Pine, Ukiah. Speaking at the meeting will be Dr. Jack Thrasher, a prominent toxicologist, and Richard Brenneman, a lawyer with a successful track record in closing down toxic waste sites in the state. Dr. Thrasher will speak about toxics and provide info on blood testing to determine toxic poisoning.
Mr. Brenneman will be on hand to talk to the group about a possible tort and nuisance suit against Masonite, it's mother company, International Paper, Louisiana Pacific, and Georgia Pacific. We suspect all these companies have had a hand in poisoning our community.
Many of us believe that law suits burden our court systems and society in general; but when the government does nol uphold it's own laws, they must be challanged in the courts. This is our community's only chance to get Masonite to clean up their act. If anyone believes that Masonite is creating a nuisance or causing health problems such as respiratory problems, eye or skin irritations, nose bleeds, headaches, etc., or if you hesitate to walk or ride your bicycle in Ukiah because the smell of Masonite is overwhelming, CHU would like to encourage you to join the lawsuit.
Along with the usual activities of any grassroots group is the desperate plea for money. Donations can be sent to Citizens for a Healthy Ukiah, P.0. Box 1509, Ukiah, CA 95482. This is an opportunity to partieipate if you cannot take an active part.
The group's goals are to educate the public i.n regards to the air and water quality in the Ukiah valley, and to force the entire Masonite facility into compliance with existin environmental laws.
Masonite's parent company, International Paper, is notorious for it's continued disregard for worker's safety, and environmental pollution. This community will continue to suffer until the Masonite plant is brought under the yoke of environmental law and made to utilize source reduction on their long list of highly toxic chemicals.
Masonite (International Paper) would have us believe that their new thermal oxidizer will correct any problems. This toxic waste incinerator will function for only 2 of their 15 stacks. 'What about those 13 emission points still unaddressed? And what about all the waste water seeping into our wells and ground water and flowing into the Russian River? And what about the other 39 devices not currently under permit that should be?
These are valid questions. It seems as though our County Air Pollution Control Hearing Board is not interested in these questions.
At the moment we are still waiting for the EPA's request for information from Masonite. As yet, it is still unavailable to the public because Masonite has requested it to be confidential. We encourage the public to write to the EPA, attn. Steve Rohert, 75 Hawthorne St. San Francisco, CA, 94105-3901.
Tell them how you feel about being held hostage by Masonite. Send a copy to the Board of Supervisors, 301 S. State St., Ukiah, CA 95482.
The public is entitled to complete disclosure. All the facts need to be brought into the open...NOW.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited