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 Downwinders At Risk - Articles: Response from MISD to USA Today article

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Response from MISD to USA Today article

Statement from Dr. Kennedy, Midlothian ISD Superintendent of Schools


Midlothian ISD strives to keep student safety a priority. The USA Today
article entitled "Health Risks Stack up for Students Near Industrial
Plants" creates concern. However, the article is based on a
computer-simulated air pollution screening model using data from 2005.
Since that time, TXI has closed its wet processing cement kiln and other
pollution controls have been added to the cement plants throughout the
Midlothian area.

At the present time, according to city officials, the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is monitoring air quality throughout the
city, especially close to schools and parks. The monitoring that TCEQ is
accurate, real data and not a computer simulated model.

Michael Honeycutt, TCEQ Manager of the Toxicology Section, stated that
TCEQ has been monitoring Midlothian air quality for the past ten years. He
indicates no concerns regarding air quality of Midlothian schools.

Midlothian ISD will continue to consult with the TCEQ to ensure that our
schools are safe.



Jana Hathorne
Public Relations Coordinator
Midlothian ISD
100 Walter Stephenson Rd.
Midlothian, TX 76065
972.775.8296, ext. 1037
www.midlothian-isd.net