Flint: "EPA Brass Eyed Water Fiasco Long Before Emergency Order"

"Top aides at U.S. EPA's headquarters were discussing their options on the Flint, Mich., drinking water disaster long before the agency elevated its response in January this year.

Schedules obtained by Greenwire under the Freedom of Information Act show that the most senior-level officials at the agency were discussing the crisis in Flint last autumn. A series of meetings beginning in September -- often organized by Stan Meiburg, EPA's acting deputy administrator -- listed attendees from across the agency to discuss what was going on in Flint, according to the documents.

EPA, from its Chicago-based Region 5 office, would establish a task force in October to offer scientific and technical support to Flint. Months later, the agency would heighten its response in January, asserting its federal authority by issuing an emergency order that required action from the city and state."

Kevin Bogardus reports for Greenwire March 8, 2016.