Mayor Delivers Progress Report on Flint Water with members of EPA, Michigan EGLE, and Michigan Department of Environment – East Village Magazine

Posted on May 11, 2021

By Harold C. Ford

This communitys perseverance has been remarkable and your success has been remarkable. Michael Harris

Five years ago, Flint was in the middle of one of our nations greatest drinking water crises in our nations history. Understandably, trust in leadership and government was just as corroded as the pipes that tainted your drinking water. Flint has turned the corner and is on the brink of completely removing all lead service lines throughout the city and also rebuilding its water infrastructure from the ground up. This communitys perseverance has been remarkable and your success has been remarkable, reflectedMichael Harris, Director of the Enforcement and Assurance Compliance Division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from Region 5 in Chicago.

Photo source: EPA

On May 6, 2021, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley issued a progress report on his administrations plans to address Flints notorious water crisis at its seven-year mark. Information about ongoing efforts to mitigate and repair damage caused by the crisis can be accessed at http://www.cityofflint.com/ProgressReport.

Flint Water Plant located on N. Dort Hwy., Flint. (Photo by Tom Travis)

Flints municipal water source was switched to the Flint River in 2014. A human health crisis resulted when anti-corrosive additives did not accompany the switch causing pipes to corrode and leach lead into public drinking water.

The water crisis should never have happened, said Neely. These actions are designed to make sure it never happens again.

Partnership is key to make sure were moving our community forward. Mayor Neeley

The City is partnering with the EPA, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Michigan Department of Environment to address infrastructure needs.

EGLE Director Liesl Clark announced her agencys commitment to completion of a water pipeline from Lake Huron to Flint. Were looking forward to seeing major projects like a second pipeline to Lake Huron, said Clark. She also signaled nearing completion of lead service line replacements and modernization of the citys water treatment and distribution system.

Liesl Clark, EGLE Director. (Photo source: michigan.gov)

During his update, Neeley introduced Michael Brown as the citys new Department of Public Works director. Its not the face youll usually associate with Mike Brown, he said referencing the Mike Brown who served as the citys acting mayor from February, 2009 to August, 2009 and as emergency manager from December, 2011 to August, 2012.

City of Flints Department of Public Works director, Michael Brown. (Photo source: The City of Flint)

Weve been battling bad information. Mayor Neeley

One thing weve been battling is bad information being disseminated throughout the community, contended Neeley. We want to make sure you have good information, in real time, as we move forward, as we go through this crisis.

Some information currently posted at the progress report webpage:

The City of Flints Water Progress Report website reports the current water quality status is six ppb (parts per billion). The Federal level is 15 ppb or less. (Graphic source: City of Flint Water Quality Report website.)

Citizens with questions or concerns about Flints water can call the following numbers:

EVM reporter, Harold Ford, can be reached at hcford1185@gmail.com.

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Mayor Delivers Progress Report on Flint Water with members of EPA, Michigan EGLE, and Michigan Department of Environment - East Village Magazine