Cong. Rush outraged at Crestwood's residents exposure to toxic water; calls for full USEPA investigation

CHICAGO –– Today, Congressman Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) expressed outraged at learning over 11,000 citizens in the Village of Crestwood  drank poisoned tap water from a well operated by the village fore more than 20 years. According to recent reports, residents were exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE), a chemical linked to cancer, liver damage and neurological problems and linked to a local dry cleaner.

A letter obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (ILEPA) determined two years ago that Crestwood citizens were being exposed to poisoned water, however, the village reportedly took no action to officially close the well until March 20 of this year. Residents were exposed to 51 million gallons of contaminated water each year.

"I am incensed to learn through the media these taxpayers and their children have been exposed to toxic water mixed with water from Lake Michigan," Rush said. "This was a deceitful act and someone must be held accountable. What did the village leadership know and when did they know it---and at what point did state agencies step in to enforce their findings. Why were residents still consuming PCE as late as March 2007?"

In a letter to USEPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Rush demanded a full accounting of the condition of the water in Crestwood. He began representing the middle-class community in 2002. "As the duly elected federal representative of the citizens of Crestwood, I am appalled that this situation has not been brought to my attention by the responsible federal and local government agencies," he wrote. "Therefore I am requesting an informational meeting with you this week regarding the content and context of any federal involvement."

The congressman has not ruled out possible hearings on the matter.

###

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Download Copy of USEPA letter.