Norton Wants Formal Coodination Between Federal and D.C. Government Agenices (7/14/08)
Norton Wants Formal Coordination between Federal and D.C. Government to Avoid Confusion that Led to the Ft. Reno Park Arsenic Scare
July 14, 2008
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton today released a letter to the National Park Service's Superintendent of Rock Creek Park (asking NPS to take the lead) regarding a lack of a coordinated federal - District of Columbia approach for notification of all concerned in cases of emergency. The letter follows a recent community briefing at Ft. Reno Park where residents questioned representatives of the National Park Service (NPS), and other federal agencies involved in the arsenic scare.
During the arsenic episode, there was confusion about whom to notify in the District, and Norton's office was never notified although all of the agencies involved in closing Ft. Reno Park were federal agencies. Norton asked NPS officials to take the lead on coordinating efforts with District officials and agencies.
The full text of the letter is below:
July 14, 2008
Adrienne Coleman, Superintendent Rock Creek Park
National Park Service
3545 Williamsburg Lane
Washington DC 20008
BY FAX AND BY MAIL
Dear Superintendent Coleman:
Thank you for participating in the Ft. Reno briefing on July 2, 2008. Your role was important in making the briefing well-rounded and informative and the information was well received by the community. One of the key issues that emerged centered on the lack of a coordinated federal -District of Columbia approach for notification of all concerned when such incidents arise. There was confusion about who to notify in the District, and I was never notified, although all the agencies involved were federal agencies.
I very much appreciate that during the Ft. Reno meeting you offered to take the lead on ensuring that the National Park Service, other federal agencies and the District of Columbia have a mechanism in place for quick and coordinated investigation and notice to the public. You also offered to put the information on your website regarding the events that led to the decision to close the park, including the receipt of information that led to the closing and reopening of Ft. Reno, and a timeline for removal of lead that was discovered and cordoned off, and information about efforts being made to ensure the public is properly notified in the future.
I appreciate your continuing willingness to take care of these matters and look forward to hearing how they are progressing.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Holmes Norton