ECUA Still Disputes Claim That Pensacola Has Nation’s Worst Water
December 21, 2009
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) officials are still disputing the Environmental Working Group (EWG) claims that Pensacola’s water is the worst in the nation among cities over 250,000 poplulation.
Stephen Sorrell, ECUA executive director said “Bottom line: the ECUA’s water is safe to drink and meets every federal and state regulatory guideline.”
EWG, a watchdog nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., released the report on recently. It placed the ECUA number one on a list of cities with the worst water in the nation. (Read that story here.)
“We conducted 74,897 test samples and EWG found 45 impurities in these tests. The national average for impurities is 8, out of 420 tests. Our 45 impurities are for approximately 75,000 tests. The facts indicate the ECUA’s water is cleaner than virtually every other agency’s and we did not have one single health standard violation in five years as clearly indicated in the EWG report,” Sorrell said.
Sorrell encouraged interested persons to read ECUA’s 2008 Water Quality Report, which was mailed to each customer in June 2009, and is available online at www.ecua.org. The 2009 ECUA Water Quality Report will be prepared in early 2010, and will include all of 2009’s testing data.
The full text of Sorrell’s statement is below.
“We have looked at the report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) very closely. Any allegations about our water quality we take very, very seriously. In looking deeply into the report we frankly found inconsistencies and errors. We are certain we can legitimately dispute the overstated claims of the EWG concerning our water quality.
“I’m learning more and more every day, and I know our water is outstanding, meeting or exceeding every standards demanded by federal and state regulatory agencies. In fact, EWG ‘s report clearly states the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued no violations to the ECUA during the five-year period in question.
“The more I dissect the report the more I believe EWG interpreted the data and published their report to support a preconceived agenda, It is clear they want to force the EPA to adopt stricter standards for drinking water. Our city, Pensacola, and the ECUA’s water system are unintended casualties of the effort.
“The EWG report is quite interesting in that, if read closely their arguments is actually negated. They simply did a very shoddy and unscientific comparison to further their agenda. Data, as always can be made to say anything. In order to find the truth I urge all our citizens to take a look at the report’s summary, which I will briefly describe.
“The EWG report’s summary indicates ECUA did 74,897 test samples over a five year period and in those tests 45 different impurities were found. (EWG calls them contaminants, even though they are not regulated.) At the same time, they noted in the summary and only in the summary that during the five years they surveyed EPA did not issue a single violation to ECUA. I believe this fact is telling and I believe EWG intentionally underplayed it.
“To further our concern, EWG’s report states that 420 was the national average for water quality tests conducted by the 100 water companies in the five year period surveyed. During that same period ECUA water was tested almost 75,000 times, exceeding the national average by 178 times. This is a clear illustration of how vigilant ECUA is regarding the monitoring of our water quality. EWG also indicates the national average for impurities are eight in that average of 420 tests. Again, the 45 impurities they listed in our water, usually found in trace amounts, came from almost 75,000 tests of water samples. With ECUA’s water being tested vastly more frequently and meeting or exceeding all federal and state water quality standards on every single occasion, I believe it is clear ECUA’s water is far cleaner than virtually every other system surveyed.
“It also appears that in making their determinations the EWG has apparently adopted their own health guidelines, even though they have no authority to do so, and have no regulatory powers. ECUA’s water satisfies every single EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulation. Actually in Florida, our regulations are much stricter than those established by the EPA. We meet or exceed all of them.
“The EWG’s suspect methodology was to take data from large water systems in the U.S. and then list the number of impurities (according to them) without regard for the actual quantities in the water. If an impurity showed up once or twice in almost 75,000 testing and then in trace amounts, EWG still counted it as a contaminant in the water. This is a fatal flaw in their work.
“If you take a scrupulous, scientifically based comparative look at the data from the water systems in Texas and Rhode Island EWG listed as the best in the country, our water system compares very favorably.
“It also is of concern that on EWG’s website they recommend the purchasing of household water filters and directs consumers to their online `buyer’s guide’ to help them determine which filtration system to buy. At the same time, EWG’s website encourages the purchasing of systems from an online retailer who then gives EWG a portion of the profits. I could not help but see this as a conflict of interest from a supposedly objective scientific organization.”
Atmore Baby Killer Gets His Wish: The Death Penalty
December 21, 2009
An admitted baby killer from Atmore will get his wish — a death sentence at Atmore’s Holman Prison.
Christopher Thomas Johnson, now 37, of Atmore testified that he purposefully beat his six-month old son Elias Ocean Johnson to death on February 20, 2005. He said he killed his son because he hated his wife.
“You go see Jesus,” were the last words Johnson said to his son, he testified at his trial.
Johnson fired his public defenders and served as his own attorney during his 2006 Escambia County trial, telling the judge and jury that he wanted the death penalty for his actions. It took the jury less than a half hour to return a guilty verdict, and the death penalty was imposed.
Under Alabama law, the Court of Criminal Appeals was required by Alabama law to review the case. Last Friday, the court upheld the capital murder conviction and death sentence.
“This court is convinced that Johnson’s decision to represent himself on appeal and his decision not to file an appellate brief on his own behalf was knowing and voluntary,” the court said in the decision.
Urgent Need For Blankets, Heaters For Elderly Residents
December 21, 2009
The Council on Aging of West Florida is still seeking donations of small electric space heaters, blankets and funds to help the elderly avoid the serious health problems that can result from exposure to the cold.
Heaters and blankets can be dropped off at any location of Council on Aging of West Florida, including 6025 Industrial Boulevard In Century and 132 Mintz Lane in Cantonment. Only new items can be accepted.
Financial donations can be sent to Council on Aging of West Florida, PO Box 17066, Pensacola, FL 32522-7066 or made online at www.coawfla.org.
Seniors in need of a heater, blanket or other assistance should call 432-1475.
North Escambia Students Of The Month Named For December
December 21, 2009
Escambia County Students of the Month for December have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two students from participating schools.
The following students were named from North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt Elementary: Zachary S. Hilton, third grade; Taviana A. Parker, first grade.
- Jim Allen Elementary: Darren J. Barlow, second grade; Nicholas L. Brooks, second grade.
- Molino Park Elementary: David T. Green, second grade; Brianna S. White, second grade.
- Ransom Middle: Sheilamae N. Jensen, eighth grade; Jacob Charles, eighth grade.
- Northview High: Kaitlyn N. Caraway, 12th grade; Jacob L. Peterson, 11th grade.
- Tate High: Liza Lechner, 11th grade; Samuel C. Maulden, 12th grade.
Pictured top: Kaitlyn Caraway and Jacob Peterson, Northview High School’s Students of the Month for December. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Horse Rescue Group Needs Help To Care For Horse
December 20, 2009
A North Escambia equine rescue group is seeking help to care for a neglected horse.
The horse named “Russ” was voluntarily surrendered Friday to investigators from Panhandle Equine Rescue.
“The owner was unemployed and not able to feed him anymore,” said PER President Diane Lowery. “He was definitely a horse that was ‘in trouble’ and well on his way downhill.” The horse in currently in rehabilitation and will then be put up for adoption.
“Donations are appreciated to get this horse back on the road to a full recovery,” Lowery said.
Since Panhandle Equine Rescue was formed in 2005, the group has worked 118 cases involving 487 horses. PER has rescued a total of 55 horses.
To make a donation, or for more information, visit www.panhandleequinerescue.org.
Pictured above: Panhandle Equine Rescue needs help to care for “Russ”, a malnourished horse the group rescued on Friday. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Update From Miami: Olivia’s Christmas Wish
December 20, 2009
The Bush family may get their simple Christmas wish — a cure for Olivia.
Olivia Bush, 6, is blind, able to see only a little light with her left eye. She has a shunt to drain fluid off of her brain, and has frequent seizures.
Olivia and her family are currently at Miami Children’s Hospital hoping to find a cure for her seizures. So far, the results hold a bit a promise. The Bush family arrived in Miami last Monday. Olivia has been monitored by a 35-lead EEG and a video camera a great deal of the time that she has been in the hospital, doctors hoping to capture data from a seizure.
On Tuesday night, she had a seizure that was captured on the EEG and video, according to her father Tad Bush.
“The doctor came in Wednesday and said that they localized it to the front left lobe of her brain but he wanted to see another seizure so he could pinpoint it,” Tad said. “On Thursday he came back in and told us that she was a candidate for surgery.” Just to be sure, the doctor wanted to observe another seizure. The family has been waiting for that seizure, hoping that it happens before they leave Miami on Tuesday. Without another seizure, the family will need to return to Miami sometime after Christmas.
“So, basically we still need another seizure. So, please, please, please pray for another seizure,” mom Amber Bush, said. “I so don’t want to have to go through this again or have the possibility that we go home and her have one.”
NorthEscambia.com first introduced our readers to Olivia back in early December. That story is below.
Olivia Bush’s story started July 22, 2003, almost four months before there should have been a first chapter in her life. Born at just 22 weeks, she weighed only one pound six ounces. She stayed in the NICU three and half months, defying doctors and coming home two weeks before her due date. Olivia is the second youngest baby to ever survive at Sacred Heart Hospital.
The current-day chapter Olivia’s story is perhaps best told by her mother, Amber Bush:
“Olivia is now 6 years old. She is blind and can only see light with her left eye. She has a shunt to drain fluid off of her brain, and has frequent seizures.
“Our little miracle girl started first grade this year and loves to go to school. She is spoiled rotten by everyone she meets and has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. She loves to rock and spin and everything needs to be fast. Roller coasters, throw up rides, and bumps are her friends. Olivia doesn’t meet a stranger. She has the greatest smile and laugh and always brightens our day. She is such an inspiration to everyone she meets, and she has come such a long way. Her favorite song is the BIBLE and she tells everyone to sing it to her.
“After enduring the NICU, she came home on oxygen and a heart monitor, and doctor after doctor. Then started the therapy. She is still in physical, occupational, speech, vision, and mobility therapy.”
Now, Olivia is heading to Miami Children’s Hospital. She will see the same doctor that cured the seizures of her cousin, Northview High student Nathan Therrell. NorthEscambia.com introduced our readers to Nate in November of 2008 when he was on the sidelines as Northview’s waterboy. After undergoing surgery at Miami Children’s Hospital, Nathan played in Northview’s Garnet and Gold Game in May of 2009, void of seizures. (Read about Nathan here.)
Olivia will be in Miami Children’s Hospital December 14-16 for a battery of tests that her parents hope will end with a successful treatment plan. It’s their Christmas wish.
“Pray for guidance in this matter and that the seizures will subside,” mom Amber said. “Please pray for Olivia. She has come such a long way, and we are so thankful. God has truly blessed us with a living angel and we are very grateful.”
A successful benefit car wash for Olivia Bush was held in Century on Saturday, December 5.
Pictured top: Olivia Bush with a therapy dog at Miami Children’s Hospital. Pictured top insets: Olivia at the children’s hospital. Pictured top inset: Olivia was just one pound six ounces when she was born at 22 weeks. Pictured bottom inset: Olivia Bush at six-years old. Pictured below: Tad, Olivia, Simon and Amber Bush.Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flooding Continues: Escambia River On The Rise
December 20, 2009
The Escambia River is on the rise again, and still causing flooding in North Escambia.
The flood warning continues for the Escambia River until further notice. At 9 a.m.. Sunday, the stage was 21.9 feet; flood stage is 17 feet. The river will continue rising to near 22.7 feet by early Monday morning, then begin falling. Flooding of pastures and farmland in the area will continue, and water will begin reach Mystic Springs Road, Worley Road, Bamer Holley Lane and River Bend Road. The public boat ramps at Mystic Springs and Fairground Road (pictured) are underwater.
Pictured above and below: Flooding in Molino on Fairground Road at the Escambia River. The boat ramp and park on Fairground Road are flooded. Submitted photos by Deni Deron for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flood Recovery: Brewton Celebrates With Christmas Parade (With Photos)
December 20, 2009
As the flood recovery process continues in Brewton and East Brewton, residents of the area took the time to celebrate Christmas Saturday with their annual parade.
The parade was scheduled to roll through the two towns on Saturday, December 12, but it was delayed by rain. Then, by Tuesday, portions of Brewton and East Brewton were underwater in a flood the state says did $5.8 million in damage in Escambia County, Ala.
But Saturday afternoon, the smiles returned to the streets of Brewton and East Brewton as the parade traveled the flood damaged streets.
Click here for more photos from the Brewton Christmas parade.
Pictured above and below: Scenes from Saturday’s Christmas parade in Brewton and East Brewton. Submitted photos by Angie Baker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Santa Visits North Escambia Children
December 20, 2009
Santa traded in his sleigh Saturday for a big red fire truck as he visited many boys and girls in neighborhoods across North Escambia.
NorthEscambia.com was along for the ride in the Christian Home community as Santa and one of his elves visited with dozens of children, listening carefully to those last minute wish lists.
“Have you been good this year?” Santa asked the boys and girls that ran outside to meet him when they heard the sirens and Christmas music blaring from the approaching McDavid Volunteer Fire Department truck. Some said “yes”, some shyly shook their heads, and one or two seemed to avoid the all-important question.
Santa took note of all the Christmas wishes. Dolls, stuffed animals — and even musical instruments.
“One of them asked for a violin, and one of them asked for a piano,” Santa said when he returned to the fire truck from one home.
Santa, of course, knows where all of the children live, so when he came to a house where the children did not run out, Santa knocked on the door. Santa knocking on a child’s door on a Saturday morning is a guaranteed smile.
“We’ve been doing this for about 20 years,” McDavid Chief Eric Gilmore said. “The kids just love it; it’s a tradition.”
The children were not the only ones smiling — the adults were out to meet Santa too. At one house in Christian Home, Santa was greeted by a lady who came outside with homemade goodie bags for Santa, his elf and the firemen that serve the community.
Santa’s elf was prepared for four-legged visitors, good or bad. Especially bad. Santa’s elf was passing out Milk-bone biscuits for the dogs along his route.
Click here for more photos from Santa’s North Escambia visit.
Pictured above and below: Santa visits with families in the Christian Home community Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cool Tonight, Rain By Mid-Week
December 20, 2009
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 34. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
- Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. West wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.