We are writing to seek your support for an important international health and justice issue. It concerns current efforts to return 4,000 tons of Philadelphia incinerator ash labeled as fertilizer shipped to Haiti in 1987 back to the United States.
We understand the residents of Gonaives, the seaside town where the ash was dumped, are deeply worried about the long-term impact of this cadmium and lead laced mound which remains in their midst. They have been working with Greenpeace for years to have it removed.
In addition, we understand that the democratically elected government places the highest priority on the return of the ash to the United States. The fishermen of Gonaives cannot sell their catch, since Gonaives residents will not buy fish caught in waters into which the ash has been seeping and blowing. Investors in the area are concerned about the negative impact of the ash in their businesses. We understand that a local [U.S.] company, Tropical Salt Corporation, has threatened to move its solar-evaporated salt exporting business if the ash is not returned to the United States. This would deny 800 Haitians employment associated with the export of 180,000 metric tons of salt to United States per year.
We understand that it will cost a total of $600,000 to remove this ash and properly dispose of it. However, the company which originally shipped the ash to Haiti has agreed to return it to the United States, provide $100,000 toward its removal, and contribute $250,000 in landfill to assure it proper storage in Pennsylvania. As you know, Haiti in only in its fifth year of democracy and is the poorest country in the hemisphere. We ask that you consider providing $250,000 towards the $600,000 needed to remove the ash and properly dispose of it.
The Clinton Administration clearly was not involved in any way in the shipment of this ash to Haiti. However, your commitment to help remove the ash from Haiti would reflect the decency of the Clinton administration and would be responsive to the needs of Haiti. Unfortunately, there are time constraints on this matter.
The offer of the company that originally shipped this ash to Haiti to provide landfill and a cash contribution to facilitate the remove of the ash expires on May 31, 1998, so your timely consideration of this matter would make all the difference.
We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest opportunity and thank
you for your kind consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Carrie P. Meek (FL)
Major Owens (NY)
Joe Kennedy (MA)
Esteban Torres (CA)
Maxine Waters (CA)