Tittabawassee River Watch Editorial          Back to editorial page  

Clean up river

Editor, The News:

As a former Saginaw resident, I was appalled to read the editorial, "Dioxin hot spots: Do no more harm," Jan. 18.

God forbid we hold a multibillion dollar company responsible for poisoning the environment. "When" it happened is a moot point. The contamination is there, and it's time to take action before any more damage is done to residents.

As buried as the most dangerous 2 percent of the dioxin may be, the simple fact remains that all forms of dioxin are the most toxic substances known to all living things, including the "safer" 98 percent that contaminate the yards and groundwater of some residents.

Let us research the safest, most economical way to clean up the riverbed as quickly as possible to improve the quality of life for the residents living along the Tittabawassee River.

The News says, "Holding a polluter accountable for the unwise and harmful practices of the past shouldn't rest on actions so punitive that they create economic hardship."

Economic hardship for the multibillion dollar company? I don't think so. Give more credit to the hard-working people of the Tri-Cities and stop playing on their economic fears to fuel Dow's multibillion dollar propaganda.

Quality of life is worth the cost of this clean-up, isn't it?

As much as I love Saginaw, and believe in its ability to rebuild itself through these tough economic times, I could not in good conscience raise my family along, or near, the Tittabawassee River, if I'm ever fortunate enough to return.

Rachel C.H. Anger

Louisville, Ky

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