Just as an example of how the PCB issue is being used over and over again to draw attention away from the serious Plutonium issue.

Note that "Niagara Health Science Report" is FUNDED by grants trough the Niagara County Health Department. Legislator Aronow was supposed to gather information about the funding of this suspiciously associated surreptitious group. Unfortunately, NCHD Director Paulette Kline must have thought Mr. Aronow asked how this group was "Founded." That's the only answer that she gave to the legislator. (*See email exchange..)

While NHS's Amy Witryol is drawing attention to these years old PCB releases, the Niagara County Health Department is disavowing involvement and is even quoted at the end of this article. How can NCHD have no comment and say they are leaving it to "the company and the NYSDEC" when they ARE invloved through the newly formed 501 (c) 3 -- "Niagara Health Science Report" group?? 

Sounds like double-talk to me.

Lou Ricciuti

"THE PCBs are COMING, The PCBs are coming..." Or leaking, as is convenient to draw attention away from Plutonium in the environment.

-------------------
PCBs hot issue again at CWM
By Aaron Besecker
Saturday, March 26, 2005

PORTER — As officials at CWM Chemical Services laud their own efforts to clean up PCB-contaminated substances flowing into local waterways around their Model City site, concerns remain over multiple violations in state environmental law regarding the hazardous chemicals and the current threat level, local watchdogs said.

In three consecutive months in early 2001, the Department of Environmental Conservation found the company in violation of laws covering PCB discharges. After issuing an order that the company comply with discharge regulations, the DEC monitored the situation and continued to find PCB-contaminated soil and storm water.

Unlawful levels of PCBs were found again as recently as 2003 and 2004. (NO PU MENTION)..

The contaminated water was discharged from the site and into local tributaries of Four Mile and Twelve Mile creeks, and eventually out to Lake Ontario.

“To me, it leaves the impression that it is a really widespread problem,” said Amy Witryol, of the Niagara Health Science Report watchdog group.

CWM district manager Richard Sturges dismissed the notion that a PCB problem exists, insisting none of the current landfills could be leaking. He also said the DEC should be credited for pushing tighter regulations on PCB discharges.

“(And) we deserve credit for meeting them,” Sturges said.

He pointed to a change in measurement standards that took place in January 2001 as the reason for the three-month stretch of violations. The DEC mandated that contamination be measured in parts per trillion, rather than parts per million or billion.

It initially took the company a short time to adjust to the new standards, according to Sturges.

Following the issuance of the consent order, the DEC required the company to create a plan to deal with the PCB levels. The installation of rock check filters, face plates and fabric filters was completed in mid-2002, according to a September 2004 DEC letter.

Sturges argued that the PCB contamination on the CWM site existed from work done before the company, a subsidiary of Waste Management, took over.

A report from October 1992, referred to in the September DEC letter, indicated there was also PCB contamination at that time.

A lot of work to remediate PCB contamination on the CWM site occurred in the early ‘90s and has been successful, said Rebecca Park Zayatz, environmental engineering manager at CWM.

“The progress that has been made over the years is significant,” Zayatz said.

CWM currently tests water flowing offsite on a weekly basis, Sturges said.

A memo produced by CWM acknowledged three instances, two in 2003 and one in 2004, of exceedences found in tests for PCBs on site. All three readings were close to the stated goal of 65 ppt.

Sturges emphasized the very small size a part per trillion represents.

A fourth reading, which measured 5,400 ppt that was taken in on April 31, 2003, was not mentioned in the memo released by CWM.

Officials at CWM said they believe that reading was an anomaly, since the numbers before and after it were not close to such a spike.

“We are extremely confident that that’s a lab error,” Sturges said.

Offsite laboratory officials could not be contacted by press time.

James Devald, director of environmental health for the Niagara County Health Department, said the county has no intention of getting involved in the matter.

“We left that particular situation up to the DEC and the company,” Devald said.

A spokeswoman for the DEC said the goal is for all future monitoring for PCBs to show no contamination.

And although the agency has a theory on the source of the PCBs, nothing has been confirmed.

“They have made some progress,” said DEC spokeswoman Meaghan Boice-Green.

Contact Aaron Besecker at (716) 282-2311, Ext. 2263.

©2004

--------------------
BUT, the Niagara County Health Department IS Niagara Health-Science...

just for the record.  Lou Ricciuti

These search terms have been highlighted: plutonium niagara lewiston

Part II:  Project Identification Cover Page

21st Century Fund 2004/2005

Project name:  The Community LOOW Project 

Name of applicants: 
The Niagara Health-Science Report (NHS Report)   The Niagara County Health Department  
Address of applicant:  4726 Lower River Rd., Lewiston, NY 14092 
(This is a private residence...)

This $50,000 was granted from the Greater Buffalo Group!!

-----------------------------------------

Here's the language from the Niagara County Health Department & "NHSR" grant application...

 READ THE BELOW and feel comforted.

Our Niagara County health department is currently trying to conceal and suppress the information that the area is also contaminated with PLUTONIUM. This is very important to note that this substance is now known to also be in the environment and that the NCHD a public "health trust" agency is seeking grant monies to worry about the economics and not health--actually, they are acting in an anti-health way! PLEASE check out Plutonium for yourself to see how bizarre this is--
***
Check out these last two statements submitted by the Niagara County Health Department for why they need this community foundation grant $$. I'm sleeping better now. NOT.
----

6. Is there an economic development aspect to this project?

Comments provided by the Niagara County Economic Development Agency:Western New York is plagued with contaminated properties. This high percentage of contaminated properties puts Western New York at an economic disadvantage compared to other parts of New York State. In particular, large contaminated sites such as the LOOW site severely affect local property values and reduce the amount of land available for residential, commercial and tourism uses. Furthermore, the negative stigma associated with sites such as the LOOW site deters private investors from locating their businesses in the Lewiston-Porter area.

The deterrence of private investors not only affects Niagara County but the region as a whole because of the indirect and induced economic affects that result from loss of businesses. An independent coordinated review will help restore residents' trust in Western New York's ability to manage contaminated sites and will help remove some of the negative stigma associated with the LOOW site. Furthermore, by understanding the extent of contamination and associated risks, Western New York will be one step closer to economically benefiting from one of the worst contaminated sites in the area. (Don't know how they'll do that!)

Comments provided by the Niagara County Tourism and Convention Corporation: The reemergence of tourism as a backbone of the Niagara County region’s economy is in its embryonic stage. As most of the critical industries have left this area over the last two decades, tourism has emerged as the sole basis on which to grow the local economy. As of 2003, the single largest employer segment in Niagara County is the tourism industry.

There are several subsets/niches within tourism where Niagara County has a competitive advantage over its primary competitive destinations. Eco-tourism, Soft Adventure Tourism, Heritage Tourism and International Tourism combine to make some of the key segments of the Niagara County target markets. At present there are approximately 4,000,000 – 4,500,000 visitors to this region. In addition to these tourists, the casino drives an additional 80,000 visitors weekly.

Based on national data and verified expenditure figures, Niagara County is the beneficiary of well over 3.5 billion dollars of tourism/gaming expenditures. With that said, our Canadian neighbors drive well over five times that figure.

These factors alone makes the LOOW site project an enormous benefit to our region’s tourism economy. In order for us to grow the tourism market, we must demonstrate a prudent and careful use of our natural resources. Our tourism clientele are coming here for our natural setting and resources, whether it is for sport fishing, birding, hiking in the gorge, sailing in Lake Ontario or just cycling along our rural byways and canal paths. "Taking all possible measures to insure that the region protects these and other natural assets is critical to growing our economy." "Demonstrating the concern for this stewardship by engaging in the LOOW site project is a first step in a prophylactic manner that these assets are safe for public use." "To do otherwise would be devastating to our regional economy."

"Any negative publicity about some contamination of waters, lands or other assets would be catastrophic to our tourism industry." "Note the 2003 impact of the SARS scare in Toronto to see how quickly the tourism industry can be brought to a dead halt." "It will take years for Toronto to recover from that negative publicity."

"The tourism industry needs this project now." " We must take all warranted steps to protect the local tourism economy from another frontal blow."

("Some contamination" from above now refers to Plutonium being present).
Q: HOW ARE  ECONOMICS and "HEALTH" interrelated here??
Q: IS THIS A HEALTH OR Public Relations CONCERN??
In the above reference "Some contamination of water" is referring to PLUTONIUM found at Lewiston-Porter...

How casual of them!
Q: HOW IS THE TOURISM RELATED TO Niagara County Health Department & PUBLIC HEALTH?
------------------------------------
COUNTY grant monies-but going to a private residence on River Road? A P.R. person>?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IT'S A LITTLE  LATE TO  "demonstrate a prudent and careful use of our natural resources." Yes, after the lists are completed--Love Canal, Bloody Run, Hyde Park landfill, LOOW, 102nd Street, Hooker A-Z, nuclear sites. etc..

.Yep, I'd say it's a little late for that statement from the $50,000 grant (of $200,000).

------------------------

AND HERE'S THE EMAIL EXCHANGE BETWEEN LEGISLATOR GLENN ARONOW AND Niagara County Health Department Dir. PAULETTE KLINE. IF YOU LOOK BACK IN THIS THREAD and LISTEN TO THE PODCast  YOU'LL SEE AND HEAR THE QUESTIONS LEG. Glenn ARONOW  WAS ASKED TO ANSWER FOR SCOTT AND I AND THEN YOU WILL SEE HOW PAULETTE KLINE ANSWERED HIM--( OR NOT ).

**************

NOT MUCH WAS ANSWERED WITH THIS. NOTHING AT ALL. LR

Hey! What a GREAT Event in Lockport over the weekend! Yummy..Congrats!!

What's up with the officials and the word on the Pu?

Want to hear a funny one--last week, Friday, June 17, 2005, the Gov.'s motorcade was flagged down by Residents for Responsible Government at the exit to Fort Niagara State Park (Some $400 KaJillion Dollar project not related to cleaning anything but great for PR & photos! )   

Anyway, apparantely, the Gov. had the driver stop the car, jumped out of the limo--and having a word with RRG spokesperson April Fideli, said that he too was concerned about the 18 year old law that has been ignored for exaclty 18 years....some unenforced law about where garbage should go...   

No mention of the Plutonium in the water(s). Nope, not one mention by the Gov., RRG, or even by the reporter who said he would and insisted that I meet him for coffee on Thursday, June 16, 2005, at Tim Horton's at Six-Corners, in the Town of Niagara where I showed him two of my references about Pu being in the mouth of the Niagara River and going into Lake Ontario (that are not available electronically to post here--sorry).  Aaron seemed so very pressured and "needed" the citations to complete his article about this. I oblidged pretty readily and gave him copies of the documents. Actually, I have a number of other references and even heard word of a test report that I am trying to get my hands on. More about tests this week. 

It WAS noted in the article by Aaron Besecker of the Niagara Gazette, that the RRG president was NOT present. That would be the disbarred attorney.

I wonder if the Gazette reporter will be allowed to write about this Pu in the water story at all? I wonder if ANY officials have made comment to him yet? I do know that Ms. Kline from the Health Department wasn't available on Friday for dialog.

The simple question is: Why did Vince Agnello, a Niagara University law professor and RRG's president, ask this question in an email of a world recognized medical doctor and toxicologist? And then: Why was only some of the good doctor's information used on stage--from a report that was solicited by RRG for the Ralph Nader event at Lew-port Schools back in April?

I think it will only be a matter of time before someone in the scientific community publishes a paper or report that will give the Niagara area a Knock-out Black Eye. It sure seems that there is more public relations going on here than public health OR science!

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR WATER FROM?

(that are not available electronically to post here--sorry). 

if that stuff can be faxed it can be converted it to e mail-able files and sent  back to yourself .

Hey there anonymous nit wit:

You're a pretty bold sucker, you know that? Proof? What proof would you like? Proof that there's Pu in the river water? OR, Proof that its been discussed by others than me...as being in the drinking water. Proof? You're quite the one to ask for ANYTHING. Get a name or get out of my hair. Call the newspaper and ask the reporter WHY THE NEWS HASN'T PRINTED the "truth." I gave them the truth.

It isn't my fault or responsibility. Write the newspaper, or your congressperson. Don't like what I'm doing, writing or saying--? Why would that be? You seem very interested in causing only problems. Same M.O. as previous posts. "Show me (anonymous) the documents."

Hey anonymous--go have some coffee in Youngstown and go water skiing or sailing. We can talk then.

See ya in the funny papers--

Lou R.

Oh, I said nothing of the sort about "you drank it...where's the proof!"

I said I'd meet him there. Not that I was drinking anything in any location. Get real. Learn to read. While you're at it--study about punk-tuation--That should be a question mark and not an exclaimation point. Duh.

"about the Lewiston Porter Youngstown Plutonium and the email letter exchanges between doctors"

      One or the other side should show some kind of proof!

you sounded the horn ,

Nuclear Lou,

Have you tried Letters to the Editor? Perhaps a demonstration might get some news cameras. The Lewiston Art Festival is a well-covered event. Maybe you could display a painting of what plutonium-induced cancer looks like.

Phantom

In other words, if someone desires to detain you, restrict your legal rights, or accuse you of a crime, the 'Burden of Proof' requires them to prove that you have indeed violated a Law or committed a crime.

         so show the proof already!

Good Point Sh-oes! 

But anyway---Hey anonymous, how's this?  

I'll "rest my case" with what information that has been presented to date--including the email exchanges and the medical doctor's on-air "testimony."  In a civil case, I already have the preponderance of evidence.  Now, argue YOUR case.

 "Kiss my ring?"  You are kidding right anonymous?   Media event? Then you must've missed Scott's Dialog Show "media event."    Let's see...you're here watching and reading...then you must have read this or you wouldn't be able to make a comment or follow along in the thread-either of you(s;) anonymous folks please   All the Proof that Fits  .   Please start with this link. Come back when you're done.

Also, you seem unwilling to contact me directly as we've talked about before in other threads. That's unfortunate. Then, there's the "Critical,  Lifesaving  Information" discouraging comment you've made. I  am  truly  hurt.   I'm no Life Guard yet I did throw you and everyone else a life ring. Honest.

I have really tried to get this message out and into the hands of those who should be responsible. Even though it's not really my message at all--only the messenger telling you that the Invisible "Man" has been here and left some surprizes.  

O.K., I'll come up with some of the logical answers and you anonymous(es) will slink off and back away  under  the  rocks.   That's all right though, I'll play along because it gives me a chance to spout off, give more warnings and show where your logic is faulty. The manner of your anonymous postings tells me you have an agenda that is not being stated up front--as in any "fair fight" or real debate.   Anonymous(es), Please clearly state your opinion(s) on the possibilities of Plutonium being Any Place around you or your loved ones?  Please and thanks.   Here's another--I'm the one that has researched this subject and have gotten the plutonium issue "known" and understood to the level that it is--I'll see your health-department director and raise you three Ph.D's. The info first went out on Scott's Dialog Show two weeks ago. Additionally, I think this story was on the news report that morning or the next day on WLVL 1340AM Radio, Lockport, New York. There was a medical doctor (Janette D. Sherman, MD.) that visited with Scott on his show and talked about what was known to her of Plutonium in our environment. Have you listened to the PodCast? Nuclear_Lewiston.mp3  

Beginning in May of 2001, on the pages of Artvoice magazine, Lewiston Porter's Plutonium--the waste from the Rochester Radiation Experiments (HREX), was written about as being present on the previous 12 square mile Lake Ontario Ordnance Works (LOOW) site. During this time, I had the opportunity to speak with Pulitzer Prize winner Eileen Welsome, author of The Plutonium Files, regarding her knowledge of the Rochester (HREX) Pu waste being buried here in Niagara County. She was unaware but interested.

The story in Artvoice was written after eight months of research--which included being as close to the Rochester Plutonium site on private property as I cared to get. The US Army found the Pu about 1000 feet from where it was first pointed out to me by the past property owner (Mr. John Syms-deceased-RIP), and then the US Army Corps of Engineers mentioned that they found this Pu in June 2004. Are you seeing a pattern yet?

This is not good news you know?  Hey anonymous, let's say that you are media--then you would have already contacted me, now wouldn't you have?  So, the question is this: WHY are you so concerned whether or not I have this information--WHAT would you like to do with it if you had it--WHO are you that you are so concerned but not willing to identify yourself even to me offline--and I guess there's that curious question of WHY you would make this effort here on the board to focus on some form of "proof" that really is not necessary beyond what has already been presented?  Which, IMHO, to any sane person, would be cause enough for great alarm!

It seems your only real concern and effort expended here is to try and leave disparaging and discouraging remarks.

Want to continue this dialog anonymous(es)? PLEASE contact me directly and quit trying to explain and highlight all of my frailties, foibles, inequities and unwillingness to offer help whenever and wherever able--and you try to portray me in some bad light with your assumption that I am in need of any day in the media sun.   No thanks. I've been there numerous times before this and it has very little appeal to me. You know the saying about everyone's "15 minutes?"  Well, I've already had about 10 hours worth in my life. Tanks but no tanks. It's really not about that.

If someone doesn't put a face on this (see signed name below) locally and tell the tale of what has happened, then the health consequence will continue "as is" and perhaps get worse. Scratch that--it IS already "getting worse."  Really anonymous, I wish that you had done this research and not me.

The Forum and Blog is one way of getting this important message out.  I find the media exposure and contact as of late to be uncomfortable and unfortunate but necessary in this widespread and manifest issue. (No offense meant to any media types..and are encouraged to pick up this ball and run with the story, not me.)

 Lou Ricciuti

Hey Anonymous(es)--Let's have a hot coffee sometime and I'll tell you about my times with famous people...no thanks--but all nice people. You probably wouldn't recognize the names of the really famous people I have known and are important to me -- all of the unknown or unnamed faces that have been planted in a sea-to-shining-sea of marker stones. Some polished, some gleaming, some older and dull. You know, with names like Timmy, Susie, Jimmy, Bobby, Brandi, Cara, Tara, Prissy, HP-1, HP-2, HP-3. These are some of the most famous and newsworthy names to me.  

Oh, BTW, the "HP" was the inhumane designation-standing for "Human Product," which was what Rochester coldly identified the unwitting patients of their heinous examinations including the injection experiments. The burials here in Niagara County include this Human Product waste!