North Sandwich NH: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency detailed one of its top scientists to the University of Georgia in 1998, in part, to investigate the possibility of an offshore drilling rig mishap in the Gulf of Mexico and how to deal with it. Research Microbiologist David Lewis was concerned that a blowout could contaminate the Gulf Stream and spread contaminants in deep ocean currents to environmentally sensitive areas on all sides of the Atlantic. EPA officials under President Clinton, however, nixed the project.

EPA officials in the Office of Water (OW) worked with the wastewater (biosolids) industry to stop Lewis' research. Lewis, who was terminated in 2003, filed two federal whistleblower lawsuits that are pending in Georgia. In 1998, Lewis met with a Clinton Appointee who discussed his situation with EPA Administrator Carol Browner. Browner indicated she was sympathetic about his plight but was "overruled at the highest level."

Browner now oversees energy and environmental issues at the Obama White House. President Obama appointed Robert Perciasepe, the head of OW who was involved in stopping Lewis' research, as EPA Deputy Administrator.

A summary of the Lewis' proposed research, which EPA nixed, is available at www.hallmanwingate.com.

Contact Info: Caroline Snyder Ph.D. Citizens for Sludge-Free Land
(603) 284-6998 cgsnyder@post.harvard.edu

Website : www.sludgefacts.org