Nuclear waste expert Robert Alvarez agrees with the editorial explaining that""the EPA is unable to take an aggressive stand on removing the nuclear waste, because it lacks the regulatory authority to take action without drawing a lawsuit from the responsible parties." Alvarez adds that the Army Corps of Engineers --could order the removal without getting entangled in a lawsuit that could 'drag on for years.'" (Source : http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2013/11/21/nuclear-waste-expert-calls-bridgeton-site-highly-toxic/ )
Alvarez served in the Department of Energy in the Clinton administration.
Notice the part stating that under Superfund, financially responsible parties, namely the polluters--control site studies. Controlling assessment allows the alleged defendants to limit study or assessment scope--thus limiting civil and criminal liability. It's akin to allowing a man accused of genocide the right to control all aspects of the criminal investigation including any evidence. This aspect of Superfund law renders the EPA impotent, even as an investigatory agency.
Political issues behind alleged environmental negligence"
By now it has become patently clear that the very federal and state agencies tasked with ensuring public health and safety are either incompetent or criminally compromised. Both executive officers, namely President Obama and Mo. Governor Jay Nixon refuse to cede to public demands for removal of the nuclear waste, and effective management of the underground landfill fire.
These same agencies (EPA, DOE and MO/DNR) have refused to consider allowing any independent assessment of the two landfills, but have deferred to the corporate authority of Republic Services, Inc. and Exelon Corp, and their army of corporate attorneys. Additionally, EPA authority is subservient to corporate demands. The public has been locked out of the assessment and decision making process, with the exception of occasional meetings established by an EPA administered committee. No evacuation and buyout plan has been offered. St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger proposed a 'shelter-in-place' plan in the event of a nuclear disaster. (Source : https://cbsstlouis.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/3062_001.pdf )
Republic Services attorney would strip victims of their right to sue"
Here in Missouri, like in DC; a conflict of interest is treated like a charming idiosyncrasy as opposed to the political 'entry drug' of choice for overt criminality. Missouri Senator Kurt Schaefer, a partner in the legal firm representing Republic Services, has added a dirty little amendment to a senate bill that purports to 'clean up' St. Louis neighborhoods. The 'Schaefer Amendment' grants protection against --certain claims against abandoned or damaged properties if the property was in 'good faith compliance' with an order issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the office of the attorney general." Both public groups and local media have linked the Schaefer Amendment to an attempt to shield Republic Services from --lawsuits by citizens." (Source : http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/political-fix/questions-swirl-around-bill-that-could-exempt-smelly-bridgeton-landfill/article_69dfbb08-d705-58a1-b18d-0d392300d155.html
Mo. Governor Jay Nixon ignores West Lake while pushing football stadium"
While public groups have demanded that the Mo. Governor issue an official 'State of Emergency,' which would bring federal dollars and assistance; Mo. Governor Jay Nixon slaves for a new NFL football stadium funded with 1 billion public tax dollars. (Source : http://thinkprogress.org/sports/2015/08/04/3687556/st-louis-taxpayer-funding-football-stadium/ )
The vapid nature of Governor Jay Nixon's administration has been characterized by this Herculean effort to keep the NFL Rams football team here, sparing no expense. Governor Nixon has a task force working feverishly to save--NFL football. The Mo. Governor's staunch refusal to issue a 'State of Emergency' has confused the public. In fact, this entire case constitutes incompetence on a scale not seen since Nero fiddled--while Rome burned.
Incompetent handling or strategic delays"
In these days of what can only be called out as thinly cloaked corporate governance; distinct motives behind inordinate delays and incomplete studies are difficult to ferret out. Why is the EPA commissioning incomplete studies pre-ordained to manufacture the 'conclusions' desired by Republic Services and Exelon Corporation? Why is Mo. Governor Jay Nixon turning a deaf ear on a critically dangerous situation? Why are Republic Services Inc, and Exelon Corporation allowed to control any assessment and reporting? Evidence points to undue corporate access and influence peddling rivaling any banana republic.
Obama's billionaires--major stockholder in Republic Services-Bill Gates"
Once again we see how access to the White House has led to preferential treatment. Bill Gates bought majority stock in Republic Services in 2014. (Source : http://www.wallstreetdaily.com/2014/06/24/bill-gates-invests-in-republic-services/ )
Since then Gates has become a one-stop shop for corporate influence peddling on new energy technologies. He has the president's ear. Lately Gates has been bullish on what he terms"'nuclear recycling' and is pushing for 'Manhattan Project 'federal funding. To quote Gates "
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