New Orleans Landfills - aka - The Killing Fields

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, the damage was massive. The Federal Government, State and Local Officals knew the clean up of the area would no small task. Or would it ? It seems, in an effort to get things moving and keep the cost low. Some, serious mistakes were made. Like what you ask ? Well, for one - several 200 plus acre landfills, were allowed to take - any & all trash, with little or no seperation of dangerous chemicals or materials. They were given waivers, not requiring them to have in place, required physical barriers - aka - waste retaining tarps. Which are specially treated to prevent dangerous chemicals from leaching into the ground water. So, now in the outlying areas surrounding New Orleans - sit numerous, large, completely toxic sites - (government approved) which are and will continue to leach into groundwater. Since, most of the residents of these rural areas are low income, or imigrants - No government officals seem to care. Have we learned nothing over all these years. Taking these kind of short cuts - cost lives. How many childern and old people will have to get seriously ill or die - before, someone in authority says " Enough - No More - This must be done right, to protect the very people who live there." Or will that day never come. Dollars and Cents - not Common Sense too often rule these types of choices. The whole " Hurricane Katrina Disaster " was handled so poorly by FEMA - it makes me wonder how they will perform in Iowa ? Fire back -all comments are welcome.... Come into the light..... All are welcome.....

[edit on 6/20/2008 by HippieontheHill]