Interview with Daniel Parshley, March 23, 2015

Partial Transcript: So we want to talk about the Brunswick Wood Preserving Project today.

Segment Synopsis: Parshley explains how the Brunswick Wood Preserving Superfund Site (BWPSS) treated lumber with various chemicals over its history including Creosote, Pentachlorophenol, and Copper Chromium Arsenate. He describes how community awareness of the danger of the BWPSS goes back to the 1970s, and talks about a diesel spill in 1989. He discusses how the community responded to the spill and the continued pollution of the creek through a leaking pipe.

Keywords: Superfund sites; gender; industry; media; neighborhoods; newspapers; pipeline; public hearings; toxic waste

Partial Transcript: Did this situation--was this some sort of a catalyst for Glynn Environmental Coalition?

Segment Synopsis: Parshley briefly describes the formation of the Glynn Environmental Coalition (GEC) in response to the Hercules 009 Superfund Site. He then outlines the history of cleanup efforts at the Brunswick Wood Preserving Superfund Site, discussing waste consolidation, shipment, and containment. Parshley also describes the GEC's efforts to restore warning signs to the site and build a wall around it.

Keywords: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Georgia Hazardous Waste Trust (GHWT); Georgia Protection Division (GPD); Jack Kingston; bankruptcy; grants; pipeline; politicians; railroad; water pollution; wells

Partial Transcript: But then 2005, what we call The Great Flood came.

Segment Synopsis: Parshley describes a large flood in 2005 that caused the creosote ponds at the Brunswick Wood Preserving Superfund Site to overflow which spread toxins across neighborhoods and into the estuary. He explains how the disaster caused the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finally attempt large-scale waste containment at the site.

Keywords: Georgia Environmental Protection Department; contamination; ground water; pipeline; pollution; pugmill; scientists; slurry walls; toxic waste

Partial Transcript: What was GEC doing

Segment Synopsis: Parshley describes how the GEC focused on community education and involvement regarding the Brunswick Wood Preserving Superfund Site, discussing fish sampling and safe seafood education. He also explains the ongoing problems at the BWPSS caused by chemical dispersion. He talks about the community's positive response to the GEC, explaining how people are increasingly focused on environmental protection.

Keywords: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); clean industry; community based problem solving; congressional staff; pollution; public education; slurry walls; toxins

Partial Transcript: So there has been no monetary--no attempt to reimburse people for any losses of land...

Segment Synopsis: Parshley explains how people were not financially reimbursed for damages caused by the Brunswick Wood Preserving Superfund Site. He describes how some people have moved away from the area while others remain, mentioning generational differences. He states that the health department has not been involved in site-specific health monitoring. He also discusses recent developments in the LCP Chemicals Superfund Site.

Keywords: Autism; Sapelo Island; bankruptcy; chemicals; dolphins; industry leaders; money; poison; reparations; toxins