Citizens For a Healthy Ukiah

by Dottie Copeland

The quality of the air we breathe continues to be an on-going concern for the Citizens for a Healthy Ukiah (CHU). Odorless pollutants are more difficult for us to be aware of; the ones we smell are more likely to get our attention. CHU has been attempting to asses pollutants in Ukiah's air through an independent analysis of Masonite's recent Health Risk Assessment.

At a recent meeting of the CHU, the difficulty of obtaining necessary information about Masonite emissions was reviewed. Masonite is seeking an injunction through the courts to keep the Air Quality Management District from releasing portions of the Health Risk Assessment. Without all the information, our outside consultants can not evaluate the health risks. Lawyers from the Environmental Law Foundation in Oakland are representing CHU and they are not charging us for their services. However, we do have copying and phone costs and the need to pay the consultants for an independent analysis of the Health Risk Assessment.

Citizen interest and involvement continues to be vital to assure that reasonable provisions are made for Ukiah to achieve state ambient air quality standards. Our natural assets are our wonderful geography and environment. We have the obligation to preserve them. Protecting our environment is essential for health and good for our local economy.

(CHU is in need of volunteers to help with information gathering, data verification and community outreach. Please contact the MEC if you are interested in helping. Also, donations to help with legal costs can be sent payable to CHU in care of the MEC.)

Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited


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