By Jesten Richardson
Charleston Gazette-Mail/HD Media
Famed environmental activist and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich on Wednesday expressed support for Wayne County residents and described how she is trying to help out with the water situation they are facing.
Brockovich, who is also an author, was the subject of the award-winning 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich,” starring Julia Roberts, about Brockovich’s work to help a community facing water contamination and a corporate cover-up by utility company Pacific Gas and Electric.
Wayne water customers have been under a “do not consume” order for their water since Jan. 16.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has said an alleged vandalism at Appalachian Power’s East Lynn substation led to a leak of 4,900 gallons of transformer oil into waterways leading to Twelvepole Creek. The West Virginia Department of Health has said hydrocarbons — specifically, transformer (mineral) oil — have been found in Wayne’s water system.
“Wayne County, West Virginia — I see you,” Brockovich said in a Facebook post Wednesday. “I want you to know that I am seeing your messages and hearing your concerns. I didn’t want anyone to think they were being ignored. What you’re dealing with is serious, and your voices matter.”
Brockovich said she is working with Bob Bowcock, a water expert, to help get carbon delivered to Wayne’s water treatment facility for filtration. She also said Bowcock, “really wants to start working more closely with the State of West Virginia to better prepare for these manmade and natural disasters.”
She asked people to send her a private message on Facebook if they have any information to share about how the water situation came about.
“Information from the community is often critical in understanding what happened and what needs to happen next,” she said. “Please continue to look out for one another,” she added. “I will continue to stay engaged and do what I can to help.”
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