Now in its second successful day, the tribal blockade at the Torres-Martinez
Reservation of Southern California has kept illegal sewage sludge operators at
bay. There has been several exciting developments:
1. The Riverside County Sheriffs Department decided not to arrest
any of the peaceful protesters, as they had said they would do, at
1:00p.m. Oct. 17, 1994. Public pressure convinced them that as
they have no jurisdiction on the reservation, such action would be
illegal.
2. Many supporters have joined the peaceful protest in solidarity
with Tribal leaders, and their effort to protect their sovereignty
and that federal law be enforced. Especially encouraging were
the efforts of several members of the United Farm Workers, who
live and work in the region. Seeing the resistance against
corporate polluters, they left the blockade site to make several
hundred leaflets in Spanish, secure a bullhorn, and return a few
hours later with dozens of recruited farmworkers to support the
non-violent action. A large delegation of Arizona A.I.M. (American
Indian Movement) arrived at 1:30 a.m. to provide support and
additional security.
3. Trucks carrying toxic-contaminated sewage sludge, now with no
access to the illegal dump facilities, tried to go through an
adjacent private ranch. Those trucks got stuck and as of midnight
were not going anywhere near the facilities.
4. A sizable fence has been constructed using railroad ties and
other scrap material. Over 100 people were on the blockade
throughout the night as folks were warmed by bonfires, and
spirits were kept high as participants listened to traditional songs
sung by the Cahuilla Bird Singers.
5. There has been extensive positive media coverage, including
local television, radio, and newspapers.
SUPPORT STILL NEEDED
The U.S. E.P.A. and B.I.A. still refuse to enforce federal
environmental law and seem to be developing an increasingly cozier
relationship with the illegal dumpers.
PLEASE CALL/FAX NOW ! To show your support and continue
pressure on these agencies to shut these illegal facilities down!
Felicia Marcus - U.S. EPA Regional Administrator
415/744-1001 fax 415/744-2499
Virgil Townsend - BIA 909/276-6624 fax 909/276-6641
for more information contact Tribal Members Against Sludge, on
site phone 415/519-7154 or 415/699-3256