Chicago EPA Employees Seek Protection from Contaminated Water at Their Own Office
Employees File Second Complaint Against EPA Management
Employees of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago have filed their second complaint in just over a month against their employer, citing concerns over the presence of harmful bacteria and heavy metals in the drinking water sources at their Loop office building.
The Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building
The six-state regional office of EPA occupies 15 floors at the Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 W. Jackson Blvd. In late August, the union representing EPA employees, American Federation of Government Employees Local 704, filed a grievance against the agency’s management due to the presence of Legionella and high levels of lead and copper in drinking water sources at the building.
Contamination Found in Multiple Sources
Since the last complaint, the union has learned that at least three more contaminated sources were located. A number of fixtures remain untested, according to the union. “Many sources at the Metcalfe Building have not been tested for Legionella, lead and copper,” said a letter to EPA from the union dated September 25. “Based on the sampling that has been done, it is reasonable to believe that a significant number of [other] untested sources are contaminated.”
Legionnaires’ Disease and Health Risks
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that can be deadly. The union represents more than 800 EPA workers, including many experts on environmental hazards and threats to human health. In addition to drinking water, the union notes that washing hands in restrooms and other sinks can spread Legionella in the air. So far, there have been no reported cases of Legionnaires’ diseases among EPA employees at Metcalfe, said Local 704 President Nicole Cantello.
Call for Action
The union is calling for all drinking water sources to be shut down, hand washing to be prohibited, and a number of other safety measures to be implemented. Employees who can work from an alternative location, including at home, should be allowed to do so until the problems are fixed, the union said.
Response from EPA and Federal Officials
An EPA spokeswoman in Chicago said the agency is “taking this matter seriously” and has been in contact with the General Services Administration, the federal body that manages buildings. The steps taken to warn employees about the health threats, installation of bottled water stations, and other measures “enable the EPA Metcalfe worksite to be a safe and healthful work environment,” the spokeswoman said.
Federal Officials Aware of Issue
Both U.S. senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, are also aware of the issue and have been looking into it, according to their representatives. U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, a Chicago Democrat, has also expressed concerns and recommended that employees be allowed to work from home until the issues are resolved.
Conclusion
The EPA employees’ union is seeking immediate action to address the contamination issues at their office building. The health risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease and exposure to heavy metals are significant, and the union is calling for measures to be taken to protect employees. The EPA and federal officials must take this matter seriously and work to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
FAQs
Q: What is Legionnaires’ disease?
A: Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that can be deadly.
Q: How many EPA employees are affected by the contamination issue?
A: More than 800 EPA workers are affected by the contamination issue.
Q: What are the health risks associated with exposure to Legionella and heavy metals?
A: Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly, and exposure to heavy metals can cause a range of health problems.
Q: What measures are being taken to address the contamination issue?
A: The EPA and General Services Administration are working to resolve the issue, including installation of bottled water stations and other measures to protect employees.
