The Eastern Pequot Indian Nation Was informed August 18th,
1994 that General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, 75
Eastern Point Rd., Groton, CT. 06340-4989, had detected
evidence of organic chemicals (trichloroethlene [TCE] and
tetrachloroethlyene [PCE]) in the groundwater.
In a letter to residents of a Tribally own apartment
complex, located near General Dynamics facility, the
company states There is no exposure or contact with these
substances because they were detected approximately 30 feet
below the surface and there is no record that any local
residents use well water. The finding of groundwater
contamination has been reported to the Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection and Groton town
officials.
The New Jersey Deptartment of Healths Hazardous Substance
Fact Sheet states:
Trichloroethylene is a CANCER-CAUSING AGENT and a MUTAGEN,
and should be handled with EXTREME CAUTION.
Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy and to pass out, can
cause an irregular heart beat leading to sudden death. High
levels may cause brain damage and death. Repeated exposure
can cause fatigue, memory loss, headache, irritability,
mental confusion, and depression.
Trichloroethylene may irritate the skin causing a rash or a
burning feeling. Prolonged exposure can burn and blister the
skin. The liquid may irritate and damage the eyes. Exposure
to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Higher levels can cause a build-up of fluid (pulmonary
edema). This can cause death.
IF Trichloroethylene is spilled or leaked take the following
steps:
Restrict people not wearing protective equipment from
entering the area of spill or leak untill clean-up is
complete.
Remove all ignition sources.
Ventilate the area of spill or leak.
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a
similar material and deposit in sealed containers.
It may be nessesary to contain and dispose of
Trichloroethylene as a Hazardous Waste. Contact the NJ
Department of Environmental Protection or your regional
office of the Environmental Protection Agency for
specific recommendations.
Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor.
It is used as a solent for degreasing and dry cleaning, and
in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and
adhesives.
New Jersey Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact
Sheet on Tetrachloroethylene:
Tetrachloroethylene should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--
WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
Can affect you when breathed in and by passing through
your skin.
It may damage the devoeloping fetus.
High exposure can cause you to become dizzy and to pass
out.
It can cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. This
can cause death.
Severe liver and kidney damage can occur.
High exposure may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs
(pulmonary edema)
If Tetrachoroethylene is spilled or leaked, take the
following step: follow same steps as Trichloroethylene.
Tetrachloroethylene is a clear luquid with a sweet
chloroform-like odor. It is used in dry cleaning and metal
degreasing.
General Dynamics has a history of negligence and spills.
According to the Fact Sheet for the Honorable Christopher
Shays, House of Representatives - Defence Procurtement Fraud
- Information on Plea Agreements and Settlements:
Dec. 31, 1989, San Diego - General Dynamics Lindberg
Field plant 10,000 gallons of hazerdous waste spilled into
the soil. General Dynamics did not admit to any wrong doing
but agreed to pay $50,000 in penaties.
Nov. 21, 1988, Nothern Texas - General Dynamics
Corperation settles out of court for $2,600,000 in a
procurement fraud case.
Dec. 20, 1991 - Eastern Michigan - General Dynamics
agrees to pay $8,000,000 in a procurement fraud case.
The Tribe is requesting assistance on monitoring the
situation, for more information contact:
Eustache H. Lewis Jr.
Tribal Councilor
Eastern Pequot Indians of Connecticut
203/442-6009 fax 203/4479419