The state of emergency could lead to a future request for federal assistance in the city’s toxic water crisis.
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The Environmental Protection Agency opened an investigation into Flint’s water situation in November. A local hospital discovered that the percentage of Flint children with elevated lead levels almost doubled after the switch, reported WDIV.
Snyder’s declaration makes available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery operations and authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to coordinate the state’s efforts.
Flint residents also have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the city and state of endangering their health by switching the water source. “They are criminals. Governor Rick Snyder of MI #firingsquadworksforme”. This came on the heels of a written statement in which he apologized to Flint residents who had been exposed to high levels of lead contaminated water for 18 months. The move was announced as a temporary, cost-cutting measure until Flint could get Great Lakes water on its own, according to CNN affiliate WDIV-TV.
The Michigan chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which helped expose the poisoning of Flint’s water, was the first to report the Justice Department investigation, highlighting it as an “unusual step”.
“We’re just confirming that we’re looking into it”, Balaya told the Free Press.
Caption + Flint City Councilman Eric Mays demands action to hold state government responsible to further aid the city after Genesee County board Chairman Jamie Curtis endorsed Flint Mayor Karen Weaver’s request for a federal disaster declaration on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016.
Marc Edwards is a nationally renowned expert on municipal water quality.
Exposure to lead can cause behavioural problems and learning disabilities in children.
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These effects are believed to be irreversible. The city ordered public schools to stop running water for taps and water fountains, according to WEYI-TV, another CNN affiliate.
