The news came as local organizations and out-of-state donors worked to provide drinking water, as residents criticized the governor for declaring a state of emergency without backing it up.
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“The water resource sites serve as a one-stop location where residents can pick up all of the resources they need to ensure their drinking water is safe, including bottled water, water filters, replacement cartridges and water testing kits”, said Capt. Chris Kelenske, deputy state director of emergency management and homeland security and commander of the Michigan State Police emergency management and homeland security division.
He also said he first clearly knew of Flint’s lead problem around October 1, when state health authorities confirmed elevated blood-lead levels in children that were detected by a local doctor.
The Flint water crisis began in April 2014 after the city switched sources for its water supply to save money. The new supply corroded the city’s pipes, leaching lead into the tap water.
Many hold Snyder directly culpable for the emergency itself, and note his role in the Detroit water crisis.
“These folks are scared and anxious about the health impacts and they are basically getting blown off by us (as a state we’re just not sympathizing with their plight)”, Muchmore wrote in the email, according to journalists Stephanie Gosk, Kevin Monahan, Tim Sandler and Hannah Rappleye.
Research by the ACLU and Michigan Radio, meanwhile, seems to show that the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) rigged water test results in the summer of 2015-when many reports about problems with Flint’s water had already been published-to hide evidence of abnormally high lead levels. Its director, Dan Wyant, resigned last month. The Flint water is safe to drink if a properly installed and a properly maintained lead filter is used, Wells said.
On Sunday, Snyder spokesman Dave Murray said once the initial response phase is over, state officials will work with the federal government on what additional resources may be available.
While Flint returned to the Detroit water system in October following public concern, the wide-spread lead poisoning cannot be undone.
Pastor Jackson added the effects of ingesting lead are irreversible, “stunts” children’s growth, and “inhibits their learning process”.
Snyder declared a state of emergency in Flint on January 5, which “triggered activation of the state’s emergency response center”.
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The governor’s office said the 17-member committee will include city, state and regional officials and experts that will convene through December 31, 2018.
