Email from John Dunn, Asst. Director Ames Water & Pollution Control Dept. to Richard Auwerda, NADC Animal Caretaker Supervisor - May 9, 2006
John R Dunn <JDunn@city.ames.ia.us>
5/9/2006 7:53 AM
Good morning, Rich.
I wanted to follow-up with you after yesterday's meeting. Staff from the
Ames City Manager's Office, Legal Department, and Water and Pollution
Control Department met for 2-1/2 hours yesterday afternoon
with representatives from NADC to discuss the allegations of improper waste
treatment and disposal that were brought forward. City staff discussed their
intention to hold a press conference later this week where the allegations
would be made public and the City would announce that it is bringing in an
outside expert (or panel of experts) to investigate the claims. Staff from
NADC were asked if they would like the press conference to be held jointly,
with both organizations participating in the investigation. While NADC staff
expressed an interest in doing so, they noted that it would require approval
from 'higher ups' before they could make such a commitment.
It was agreed that the investigation would have three main elements.
1.) Identification of the proper, scientifically-based disposal method(s)
for prion-contaminated wastes. 2.) An evaluation of the disposal practices
used by NADC, now and in the past, in comparison to the proper methods
identified. 3.) If it was found that improper disposal methods had been used
by NADC, now or in the past, an evaluation of the likely risks and proper
mitigation measures that
should be taken.
With this process now set in motion, I have three questions for you.
1. Following the press conference, I am anticipating that there will be an
immediate request from the media for copies of the materials that you
presented me with last week. Do you have any concerns with that material
being released? As I understand from the Ames City Attorney, the documents
became public records as soon as we took possession of them. Unless either
NADC or you were to obtain a court order barring release, we would have very
little recourse other than to honor the request. I would also anticipate
that if we release the material, you will begin receiving calls from the
media for interviews. You may want to consider how you personally would want
to respond to this type of request.
2. Your transmittal letter indicated that in addition to City staff and the
State Veterinarian, copies were also given to IDNR and EPA. Did you send
that material to a specific person at those two agencies? I will be making
contact with both agencies today, and if the information was delivered to a
specific individual, that is where I will start my contacts.
3. We are working to determine the most appropriate outside expert(s) to
conduct the investigation. We have some ideas, and the NADC representatives
we met with yesterday are also going to provide some names. Do you have any
names that you would like to suggest?
John R. Dunn, P.E.
Assistant Director
Ames Water and Pollution Control Department 300 East 5th Street, Bldg.
#1 Ames, Iowa 50010
PH: (515) 239-5150
FAX: (515) 239-5251
E-Mail: jdunn@city.ames.ia.us
URL: http://www.city.ames.ia.us/waterweb