Letter to Hon. Michael Regan, Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Senator Reverend Warnock Urges Expeditious Investigation Into Toxic Waste Mismanagement; Calls for Comprehensive Public Safety Outreach

Letter

Dear Administrator Regan,

Thank you for recent efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate TAV Holdings, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia for off-site hazardous and solid waste contamination. Given the significant threat such contamination presents to nearby populations and the surrounding environment, I urge your agency to move forward expeditiously with its investigation and to conduct public outreach to clearly communicate your findings with affected communities.

According to an administrative order issued by EPA on January 10, 2022, TAV Holdings, Inc. was operating in a manner "that may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to health or the environment." Sampling results detailed in EPA's administrative order reveal excessively high levels of lead present both on-site and in a nearby tributary of the South River. This is particularly startling given the company's proximity to Crawford W. Long Middle School, residential areas, and recreation sites such as Empire Park.

These negligent actions put the health of our communities and environment at risk, and corrective action is needed immediately. I appreciate your agency's efforts to ensure accountability, and I ask that EPA swiftly move forward with the remainder of its investigation to identify all potential off-site contamination. The findings of this investigation must be shared openly and in a timely manner with the local community, including residents and school administrators. Public outreach from EPA should provide insights into the agency's investigation and detail how violations will be addressed moving forward. Given the proximity of Crawford W. Long Middle School, I request that any public information sessions hosted by EPA be scheduled at a time that will be convenient for working parents and school officials who deserve access to these critical findings.

As the U.S. Senator for Georgia, I believe we must center the health and well-being of our neighbors and our environment. I thank your agency for its actions to address this concerning situation in Atlanta, and I urge EPA to take every step necessary to prevent future contamination at this site. Swift action is required to protect our communities, and I stand ready to support your agency to ensure this work is completed.

Sincerely,

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