Environmental work takes back seat to rescues

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Environmental work takes back seat to rescues

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

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By JENNIFER JACOBS

REGISTER STAFF WRITER

September 4, 2005

Baton Rouge, La. — Toxic waste. Contaminated drinking water. Mold.

Mosquitoes. Damaged septic systems and wells. Landfill issues. Food

safety at mass feeding sites. Sanitation at shelters for evacuees.

The environmental specialists who arrived in Louisiana on Saturday

armed with meat thermometers and hip boots rattled off the problems

they're eager to help with in the New Orleans area.

But as disaster officials focus on rescuing hurricane victims still

trapped behind the floodwaters, that list is not a priority.

" Every time we try to give an environmental report they don't want

to listen, " Bob Savoie, Louisiana's director of environmental health

services, told the crew of six Iowans Saturday.

The Iowa team will probably be idled until Monday, when floodwaters

have receded and other out-of-state experts arrive. Then they will

probably begin assessing the quality of public drinking water

systems.

Cory of Indianola said the team will stay until Sept. 18 -

then return later if they're needed.

" We're not here to rescue, " said. " We're here to recover. "