I didn't do an update after the first one because it was an exercise
in futility. There was a definite effort not to answer any questions.
It was typical of most press conferences after a chemical spill or coal
company accident in the area.
At 9 o'clock this evening the governor held a press conference. It was pretty informative.
They
are still doing hourly testing of samples taken at different points in
the water system which consists of approximately 1500 miles of
pipeline. Most of the tests show a decrease in the amount of chemical
but they are still getting spikes of unacceptable levels so the Do Not
Use order remains in effect.
Boiling or filtering the water will
not help. It is only to be used for flushing toilets and fighting
fires. I hope the fire thing works because I have seen a couple of
facebook posts that show the water catching fire and not putting out the
flame on a lighter....could be smoke and mirrors though.
Water is
plentiful but a pain in the rear to get. Today they actually delivered
6 bottles to each apartment in the building. Then they called and
asked if I needed a case and they would bring it as well. I'm pretty
well set though so I declined. I did tell them about a friend who can't
get out to get any and they took some to her.
They have water
distribution points all over the place. That water is free but in many
cases you have to supply your own containers which can be a problem.
There also seems to be plenty to buy and FEMA has shipped close to a
million bottles already and there seems to be a couple more million in
the pipeline over the next couple of days.
THE TURTLE MAN IS
COMING TO THE CIVIC CENTER IN HUNTINGTON FOR A FUNDRAISER TOMORROW. I
LOVE THE TURTLE MAN AND I WISH I COULD GO SEE HIM. If you don't know
who he is he is that crazy guy from Kentucky that catches wild animalss
bare handed on animal planet. He is very popular around these parts and
is should be a big boost to efforts to donate water, paper plates, baby
wipes and other necessities right now.
They gave out water at the
fire department across the street again. The firemen were walking
cases back over here for people that it was obvious could not carry it.
It's kind of pitiful to see little old ladies on canes making their way
over there an standing in line to get the water. But they are grateful
to get it....then there is Betty. Betty is a firecracker. She is in
her mid 70's and is an ex nurse from NYC. She still moves at a New
Yorker's pace as well...none of that laid back southern stuff for her. A
fireman offered to carry her case of water back and "OH, HONEY, DON"T
YOU KNOW, I told him I could carry it myself."...and she did.
The
newspaper did a piece on the owners today. It seems that the people
who bought the plant just took possession of it 2 weeks ago. They had
set aside a million dollars to fix the containment wall but had not
started repairs yet. I can see things getting sticky as to who is
responsible because of that little tidbit. They showed pictures of the
wall today that should have contained the spill. It had obviously been
in disrepair for years which makes you wonder about the inspectors as
usual.
All the chemical has been removed from the tanks. However
they are still digging up the river bank where the chemical has soaked
into the ground and probably still leaching into the river. They also
have booms across the river but admit that is probably a waste of time.
People are settling into a routine it seems. They are helping each other for the most part. It is the end of Day 3.
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