In June, 2010, I noticed and read a story about a so-called 'fuel leak' at the near-by Kirtland AFB, which is only a mile down the street.  The following month, I noticed another article in the newspaper about the leak; then another the following month; and then another the following month, etc.  After reading the first article, I began to keep them, and I would see what would come of this so-called fuel leak. 

Not since the 1960's, have I been an activist in any issue...but after collecting one dozen newspaper articles on the fuel leak...which I call a chemical dump at Kirtland AFB, I decided to become an activist, and to see what I can do as an ordinary citizen. 

I compare this situation here at Kirtland AFB, with the Love Canal of the 1970's, whereby President Carter had to get involved and take more than 1,000 families out of the Love Canal.  The reader can read more about what I have done in this endeavor over the last year in two articles I've written, which are entitled;

Chemical Dump; Time To Close Kirtland AFB;

Chemicals; Another Love Canal In the Making?

On May 5, 2011, the newspaper article #13 came out in the Albuquerque Journal, which was written by Astrid Galvan, a Journal staff writer.  The title of the article is;

"Dozens Pack Meeting on Underground
Jet Fuel"

The sub-title reads;

"Residents Skeptical About Spill Cleanup"

"A crowd of about 60 Southeast Heights residents challenged Air Force, city, and state officials Tuesday night (May 3, 2011) about the clean-up of underground jet fuel that originated at Kirtland Air Force Base. 

At one of a series of public meetings Tuesday, talk centered on the ongoing efforts to determine the extent of contamination and the best way to remove it.  "We recognize there's nothing good about millions of gallons of fuel in the ground or water,' said Tom Berardinelli, the 377th Air Base Wing director of staff.  'It is not our intention to make light of this.'

The three-hour meeting, held at the Cesar Chavez Community Center, was hosted by the New Mexico Environment Department and included leaders from the city, the Water Utility Authority and Kirtland. Berardinelli said the Air Force hopes to drill a total of 78 wells by late August or early September. 

Many in the audience were skeptical, especially of how effectively the various agencies in charge of the spill can work together.  Henry Misserville questioned why it took so long for the state Environment Department to investigate the spill.  'It seems as though your status as a watchdog agency is compromised,' Misserville said.

In 1999, the Air Force discovered an underground jet fuel pipe had been leaking for as long as several decades.  Then...in 2007, jet fuel was found in the groundwater 500 feet beneath the site, and authorities estimated about 8 million gallons of fuel may have leaked over the years.

A Journal story last week reported on findings that fuel-related chemicals such as ethylene dibromide were found in all of the new wells drilled to determine the extent on contamination.  Levels of such chemicals are low and within safe drinking water limits, but Air Force aurhorities and state officials want more testing.  It's also possible the chemicals came from a source other than jet fuel, according to Air Force documents.

One man in the audience suggested the Air Force should have known about the spill but chose to silence anyone who reported it, angering a visibly vexed Berardinelli.  'I take responsibility for the Air Force, but don't ever question the integrity...the valor, and the patriotism of these troops.' Berardinelli responded.

But the loudest voice came from Lilly Rendt who said there was not enough talk about the ramifications to the people who live around the base.  'We have to keep in our minds on the important thing...the people,' she said."

END OF NEWSPAPER ARTICLE;

As the reader will find out, by reading the other articles on the subject, I put together a booklet of 40 pages, with letters from judges; senators; representatives, etc. and I mailed them to about 55 people and agencies in the city and state, in my 'raising awareness' campaign.  It cost me about $150.00 but well worth the cost and the time put into the project. 

The reader will note, that in all this, I call for a federal judge to get involved, and take control of this circus, because there are too many chiefs and not enough indians.  This circus has been going on for over TEN years, and enough is enough...

For those who want to share their experiences and expertise, can contact me;
Jerry Aragon; humordoctormd.gmail.com

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Copyright; 2011; Jerry Aragon; The Humor Doctor
Website name; humordoctormd