US Environmental Protection Agency employees on the call include: Larisa Romanowski, Anne Kelly, Joel Singerman, Douglas Fisher, Marian Olsen, PhD and Michael McGowan; Cancer Action NY Director Donald L. Hassig
On 7/15/14, scientists and technical personnel employed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) participated in a Cancer Action NY teleconference for discussion of minimization of PCB exposure associated with the General Motors Powertrain Superfund Site in the Town of Massena, New York. EPA employees on the call included: Larisa Romanowski, Anne Kelly, Joel Singerman, Douglas Fisher, Marian Olsen, PhD and Michael McGowan.
Discussion centered upon PCB evaporation from the Industrial Landfill referred to by Akwesasne residents as the "Toxic Mound". Anne Kelly stated that EPA planned to remove the most heavily contaminated materials from the Industrial Landfill and the East Disposal Area, consolidate the remaining materials and then place a permanent cap over the area. Ms. Kelly explained that the new cap is designed to prevent all evaporation of PCBs.
Respiratory PCB exposure has significantly contributed to the causation of diabetes on the Akwesasne Reserve. This has been clearly elucidated by the research of David O. Carpenter, MD. Capping areas of PCB contamination so as to prevent all evaporation is a critical part of minimizing ongoing exposure to these harmful chemicals. Where any PCBs remain on the GM Superfund Site there must be effective capping. Air quality monitoring must be utilized to insure that capping stops PCBs from escaping containment.