We release a new e-mail obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, indicating that scientifically conclusive results about a spike in childhood lead poisoning after the switch to Flint River were not properly communicated back to Mr. Muchmore of the Governors’ Office in late July 2015.
While this was undoubtedly a missed opportunity, we presently believe this was an honest mistake by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Especially considering the erroneous input from MDEQ that everything was fine with Flint water, and that EPA employee Miguel Del Toral had acted outside his authority when writing his memo highlighting serious lead problems in Flint. We also remind everyone, that EPA Region 5 Director Susan Hedman inexplicably apologized for Del Toral’s memo in a July 1st 2015 e-mail to Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. EPA R5 was also publicly silent when Del Toral was termed a “rogue” employee by MDEQ. The point is that even if DHHS or Mr. Muchmore had gone to EPA R5 in late July, to double check MDEQ’s statements that Flint water was just fine, it is virtually certain EPA would have backed MDEQ statements.
But you can decide for yourself.