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Youth United for Community Action Greenaction is proud to support the youth and community of East Palo Alto, California in their fight for environmental justice and to stop the environmental racism practiced by Romic and government agencies. YUCA should be an inspiration to people everywhere taking a stand for health and environmental justice! For more information, contact:
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Youth and Community of East Palo Alto Fight Back! Action going down to address Romic's lack of an EIR East Palo Alto, California -- On Monday October 18, 1999, Youth United for Community Action and Ujima Security Council held an action in front of the City Hall in East Palo Alto, from 4pm to 5:30pm, to address Romic Environmental Technologies' lack of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Romic is a toxic waste recycling facility located on Bay Road in East Palo Alto that has been operating since 1991 on an expired permit and without an EIR. At this rally dozens of community youth announced they would send to the State Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) over 1000 postcards from community members and supporters urging DTSC to suspend Romic's permit until an EIR is completed. YUCA is a group of East Palo Alto high school youth fighting for a safe environment for our community. Ujima Security Council is an organization of East Palo Alto residents opposed to Environmental Racism and municipal involuntary servitude. Supporting organizations such as Greenaction and Southeast Alliance for Environmental Justice as well as community members were in attendance. DTSC representatives were also invited to come but ingored the invitation. In 1996 Ujima Security Council took Romic to court to make Romic get their EIR. Now it is 3 years later and they still don't have it. Additionally we are concerned that Romic has been allowed to operate on an expired permit since 1991! As a result of Romic's laziness to get their requirements and DTSC's negligence, YUCA and community members will let DTSC know that the community is concerned over Romic's lack of the required EIR. YUCA, Ujima Security Council and other East Palo Alto community members are opposed to Romic because of the negative health and environmental effects it brings to our community. Nitrosodimetheylamine is a cancer causing chemical that Romic released into the sewage system 4 times this year! Cal-OSHA found that Romic committed willful violations that resulted in the permanent brain damage of one of Romic's workers, Rodrigo Cruz in 1995. Romic tried to settle this case for a mere $6,300! Additionally, recently Romic was purchased by US Liquids, a corporation who has a long, bad history of negative health and environmental effects on the communities in which they operate. We are tired of being a dumping ground! |