U.S. Water News Online
RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Marine commandant here has said an independent panel will review events at Camp Lejeune between 1980 and 1985 when thousands of base residents were allowed to drink contaminated groundwater.
The wells have been shut down, but former residents of the largest Marine base in the East say they or their families have suffered health problems that will last a lifetime. Some also were concerned that Marine Corps leaders knew about the contamination earlier and did nothing about it.
``We are deeply concerned about the health issues raised by members of our Marine Corps family and are working diligently to ensure that anyone affected during this period and beyond is well cared for,'' Gen. Mike Hagee said in a written statement.
``Marines take care of each other on the battlefield and in garrison and this case is no different.''
Hagee's statement referred to thousands of former Marines and their families who lived in base housing and used the water before the wells were closed.
A former base resident who believes her medical problems resulted from water exposure, said the study was ``the first step in getting light shed on this catastrophe.''
Terry Fristoe Dyer, 47, who lived at Lejeune when her father was an elementary school principal on the base, said she thinks the review will open up much more information than former residents have had.
`` The fact that they're opening themselves to this shows that their integrity is not completely gone,'' she said.
Hagee said the panel will gather facts so Marines and family members can have information that could help them. He said formation of the panel was prompted by ``continued questions from interested families and other parties.''
Wells were contaminated with volatile organic compounds such as machine shop and dry cleaning solvents that were dumped in areas where they could reach the well water. All affected wells were closed by 1985.
The Marine Corps has supported a study by the independent Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to determine if there's a link between the water and some childhood illnesses that have been seen.
Sen. Jim Jeffords, I-Vt., who called for an expanded study earlier this month, called the review panel a good start.
``It has been more than 20 years since the Marines first became aware of this contamination,'' said Jeffords, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
``I hope the Marines take the next step and immediately notify all those who may have been exposed to the highly contaminated drinking water.''
Jeffords said as many as 200,000 people who lived in base housing could have been affected and that congressional hearings on the issue are warranted.
Both of North Carolina's senators welcomed the new review.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., wants to be sure the agency's funds are sufficient for its study while the Marines conduct their own because finding health effects from the contamination is an urgent priority, said spokesman Brian Nick.
Dole sent questions to the Marine Corps earlier this month and is ``very pleased that they're going to be convening this panel,'' Nick said.
``This is something that definitely needs to be looked farther into,'' he said. ``There are very serious concerns that not only North Carolina residents but people living around the country have.''
Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., also welcomed the study, said spokesman Mike Briggs.
``He's been working a long time with families in North Carolina and other parts of the country to get more information and get to the bottom of this.''
Hagee said the review panel will be comprised of three private sector professionals with experience in environmental, engineering and military issues. Information on who sits on the panel wasn't released.
``The circumstances surrounding the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue involve numerous decisions and documents that span more than 20 years,'' he said.
The panel members have not been selected, but the process is under way, said Maj. Nat Fahy at the corps headquarters. The report will be submitted to the commandant by Sept. 1.
``After reviewing the report, I will make every effort to conclude this matter in a way that is satisfactory to our Marines, their families and the general public,'' Hagee said.
Return to the U.S. Water News Archives page Or Return to the U.S. Water News Homepage
Editor@uswaternews.com
*Your Name:
*Your Email:
*Friend's Email:
Use a comma to separate e-mail addresses:
*Your Comments:
Hi, I thought you might like to read this article.
*Required Fields