“I didn’t have any appointments books today, so sure I can do that. Actually, I am interviewing Dan at the water treatment plant tomorrow, so I may have more information then.” She looked at Matt. “Sorry but looks like our afternoon in the canoe is off.”
Matt reached over and tussled her hair and turned to Jack. “Mr. Harrison said his wife and the bird watching society found three dead kingfishers last week. She was so upset in finding three of them in different locations that she took them into the vets to have them tested. It looks like the water is affecting everything. What can I do, Jack?” Jack looked over, grateful for the offer. He needed all the help he could get.
“I need you to go out to the north end of town and collect water samples from the river and the tributaries that feed into the river. I have jars in the van. Just take the samples and mark the location on the labels.”
Matt nodded. “Why north of town, any suspicions? And are the environment guys not taking samples already?”
“In my experience, the government keeps their information close to the chest. It could be weeks before they make an announcement. We need to do our own investigation. I think it might be manure runoff, but I want you to take samples closer to town as well. And I will ask Bernie about the dead Kingfishers.”
Christine remembered her interview with Mr. MacIntyre. “I had a tour of the MacIntyre farm, Jack and he is very conscientious of record keeping and manure management. I don’t think farms are responsible.”
“Not all the farmers are as environmentally conscious as Mr. MacIntyre, Chris. We need to check everything. Something is going on and I intend to find out what it is. The government will wait until people die before they do anything.” Matt and Jack headed for the door.
“Matt wait.” Christine reached into the refrigerator and handed Matt two bottles of water. “Drink these and don’t even brush your teeth in tap water.”
“Right chief and Jack, let’s try and arrange another baseball game. I think we can beat them next time.” Matt pecked her cheek and stepped into the hallway.
Jack added, “You had better call Sarah, let her know, but don’t tell anyone else. We have to be very discreet.” Christine thought it was very sweet that Jack was concerned about Sarah’s safety.
“Don’t worry; I was going over there on the way to the hospital. Take care.” Jack left with Matt. Christine heard them discussing the baseball game as the door closed. She laughed as she headed for the bathroom. The game was a disaster. Their team was beaten nine to three. Christine got dressed, left the apartment and stopped at Sarah’s house. Sarah was shocked.
“Make sure you only drink bottled water and boil any water for dishes and brushing your teeth. We have to be very careful. Jack seems to think this is bigger than anyone is letting on.” Christine was adamant that this be kept quiet and Sarah agreed with her. “I have to go. I’m going to interview some of the nurses at the hospital.” Christine left and Sarah finished getting dressed, put two bottles of water in her purse and drove out to Martin and Schultz for a meeting.
Mr. Martin was very impressed with her documentary/commercial and several other ideas that Sarah ran by him. The entire campaign was going well and he was quickly becoming an icon in the community. She left thinking that the meeting was a success. As she backed her car out of the parking lot, she noticed the trees that were planted out in the back. Very attractive, and a nice environmental touch, she thought to herself. Jack should see this, maybe then he would be convinced of the sincerity of Martin and Schultz. Perhaps this water problem will keep him occupied and out of my business.
Christine interviewed three of the nurses and during the conversations she learned that ten new cases had been brought in over the past week. The hospital administrator walked past with two men in dark suits. All three looked very serious. Christine asked the nurse who they were; she just shrugged and went back to work.
Christine moved in behind them trying to overhear their conversation. One man stated, “There are too many cases for this to be a coincidence. Something in this town is making people sick.”
The second man turned around, glaring at her and she dropped back. Making her way to the entrance, she saw Mr. Oliver coming into the hospital. “How is Mrs. Oliver?”
“Sick, the poor woman has lost ten pounds; she can’t keep a thing down. I pray it’s not the big “C.” Mr. Oliver looked very worried. Christine told him to give Mrs. Oliver her regards and left the building, anxious to talk with Jack again.
Matt met up with Jack at the café and gave him the water samples. Christine arrived a few minutes later. She told them both about the hospital visit, including Mrs. Oliver’s present condition. After an hour, Jack left with the samples. He took them to the university lab, where his good friend, Professor Sayers was happy to help. Jack had done some post-graduate work with Professor Sayers and he trusted him completely.
The professor told Jack he would have the results the next morning. When he called with the results, Jack was flabbergasted. Although there was a certain amount of E-coli bacteria present, it was the quantity of benzene and ten other carcinogens that disturbed Professor Sayers. The question was what should they do about it?
As arranged, Christine went to the water treatment plant and did her interview with Dan and his boss, Mr. Carver. He gave her a tour of the plant and answered her questions. According to Dan and Mr. Carver, the water in Bridgetown was some of the cleanest water available in southern Ontario. Because of what she had learned over the past few days, Christine looked at them skeptically.
Three days later, she returned to the water treatment plant to drop off a copy of her interview. She noticed the truck from the Public Utilities of Bridgetown and a car from Natural Resources, outside the offices. She asked to see Mr. Carver or Dan and was told they were in meetings for most of the morning. For the next several days, everyone noticed that the chlorine levels in the drinking water had increased. The band of friends deduced that someone had found E-coli and decided to treat it.
Jack explained that most organisms can be killed by boiling water vigorously for at least 15 minutes or by sufficient contact time with chlorine. Chlorine is the usual treatment method for community water treatment and sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately chlorine also reacts with natural organisms in water and produces low levels of a group of toxic organic compounds known as trihalomethanes. In Jack’s opinion these toxins were as dangerous as what the chlorine was supposed to kill. He took more samples and sent them to Waste and Water Management for testing.
Two weeks after that, a ‘Boil Water Notice’ was issued by the town, but no other action was taken.
Chapter Eight
Charles Martin told his wife how pleased he was with the marketing campaign. Mrs. Martin, who was very interested in what other people thought, was impressed. The more her husband became an important man in the community, the more influence, she herself would have.
When Sarah requested the local television station shoot the documentary/commercial for Martin and Schultz Chemical, she raised their interest in the plant and the owners. They requested a televised interview with one of the morning show hosts. Martin was interviewed, and the host complimented him on implementing his ambitious, environmental changes. The program was widely viewed in Bridgetown. It inspired other business owners to start recycling, making better choices to dispose of hazardous materials and even plant more trees.
Since it was an election year, the mayor’s office organized a tree- planting event in the town center and several new trees were added to the boulevards and parks. Charles was strutting around town like a peacock, enjoying his new found fame. Mrs. Martin beamed with pride and bragged to anyone that would listen.
Jack and Bernie had volunteered to paint the children’s playground equipment and were enjoying the hot summer day outside. Bernie had red paint on his face and his hands and Jack teased him. “You have more paint on yourself than you do on the slide, Bernie.”
“This
is playground equipment Jack, not a Picasso!”
“Well at least it’s lead free paint. It is about time governments, both municipal and federal start thinking about how our children are being poisoned. Throw me one of those bottles of water, will you?” Bernie tossed the water to Jack, shaking his head at his friend’s reference to the lead free paint. Everything was an issue to Jack. Bernie laughed.
Afterwards, they headed for the local pub and a nice cold beer. Crossing the bridge, Bernie stopped to look at the river below. “It looks like fishing is lousy this summer. There are only three guys down there. Usually this riverbank has fishermen lined up on both sides of the bridge. That reminds me Jack, those Kingfishers that Mrs. Harrison brought in, the tests came back and they were all full of chemical toxins.”
“Kingfishers eat fish.” Jack looked down and sadly replied, “The fish are probably all dead. I wish we would hear from Water and Waste Management. I know there is a lot of red tape, but those samples don’t lie. I sent them in because this will raise the alarm in the government office and they will have to do something fast. This river is dying. I knew it was a mistake to fill in that wetland north of town last year. Wetlands act as a natural filter for water. Bloody developers!”
Bernie wanted to stop Jack before he went off on one of his tirades. “When are you leaving for Calgary?” He knew that Jack had another assignment out in Calgary and would be gone for two months. Hopefully something would be done about the water before he left.
“Next Friday, I think I’ll call the lab again. Maybe we can speed things up. Have there been any more problems at the veterinary clinic?” Jack wiped the perspiration from his forehead. The afternoon sun was hot.
“Things seem to have slowed down. The water is saturated with chlorine though; you can smell it when you turn the tap on. We’re having bottled water delivered to the clinic in five gallon jugs.”
“I saw Dan in the Food Mart last week and when I asked him about it, he said everything was normal at the treatment plant. I think they’re wearing blinders or they’re under a gag order. Anyway, the cold beer waits and Dan said he would play baseball on Sunday. I remember he used to be a great batter.” They hurried towards the pub anxious to quench their thirst.
“Good because we need someone decent on our team.” Bernie laughed.
“You know Bernie; I am fed up with the government keeping us in the dark, for our own good. They don’t know what they are doing. Look at this town council, if you and I hadn’t noticed that the first paint delivered had lead in it; the children’s playground would have been toxic. What are people thinking when they take these projects on? Don’t they do any research? It was very easy to switch the paint for a non-toxic variety. That should have been done at the municipal level, not by the two ‘schmucks’ that painted the equipment.”
“We need Michael Moore or Wikileaks to pay Bridgetown a visit. They would bust this town secret wide open!” Bernie laughed as he picked up his beer and toasted Jack. They clicked bottles and finished their beers in silence.
Sarah walked out of the bank feeling better than she had in months. Most of her bills were paid, she had made a large payment on her student loan and her bank account was growing.
She drove into the pharmacy parking lot. A boy on a bicycle waved as he passed. The pharmacy was using boys on bikes to make deliveries now, as part of the environmental campaign. Smiling, she walked into the pharmacy as a short man with graying hair opened the door, “Dr. Hardy, nice to see you.”
Dr. Hardy recognized Sarah and stopped to chat. “How is Edna? It is a shame that the pregnancy is not going well.” Sarah looked at him, her mouth agape.
“Not well? What do you mean? I haven’t talked to Edna in a week or so, did something happen?” Dr. Hardy realized he might have overstepped. It was Edna’s business to tell her sister, not his.
“You might want to talk to your sister. Good afternoon, Sarah.” Dr. Hardy hurried out the door leaving Sarah, very worried. Sarah picked up a few items and then drove toward Edna’s; she should be home from school by now.
“Edna, are you home?” Sarah opened the front door that was never locked. She called out again, “Edna?”
“In here Sarah.” Sarah went into the small living room and found her sister laying on the sofa with a blanket over her. Two fluffy slippers stuck out of the bottom of the blanket. She was pale.
“Edna, are you ill?” Sarah put her purse and packages on the table and sat beside Edna. She put her hand on her sister’s forehead. It felt cool.
“I’m not ill, but Dr. Hardy wants me to keep my feet up as much as possible.”
“Is everything okay with the baby?”
“Yes for now, but he’s worried.” Edna’s voice cracked and she started to cry. “Oh, Sarah, Dan and I want this baby so much. I don’t want to lose it.” Sarah put her arms around Edna and said a silent prayer. Edna took a deep breath and pulled away. Fanning her face in an effort to stem the tears she said, “Go up and look at the nursery, Sarah. Dan painted it last week and it is so beautiful.”
Realizing her sister needed a few minutes, Sarah left Edna and climbed the narrow stairs to the second floor. When she opened the door to the small room at the end of the hall, tears pooled in her eyes. The room was a sunny yellow and on the wall was a huge smiling sun. The ceiling was painted pale blue with white puffy clouds and the entire effect was bright and happy. The crib sat opposite the huge sun, filled with colorful stuffed animals. Sarah wiped a tear as it rolled down her cheek. Please God, don’t let anything happen to Edna’s baby, they want this child so much.
She stayed with her sister until Dan arrived home from work. He looked worried and it saddened her deeply.
Sarah drove toward home and decided it was too late to cook dinner. She parked at the Chinese restaurant, went inside and asked for a table for one. She sat and thought about Edna and Dan and how happy they had been praying the baby would be born healthy and full term. She ate her wonton soup and her egg roll, but she didn’t really enjoy it. Her mind was full of sadness and worry for Edna and the baby. These were the times that she missed having Jack to talk to. He was always a great sounding board when she was upset. Jack could always make her feel better. She took her cell phone from her purse, looked at the screen for a few minutes and then she put it back and finished her meal.
Jack left for Calgary anxious for news about the water samples. He told Bernie to phone him as soon as they arrived.
Two weeks later, the mayor Mr. Burton, made an announcement to the Banner and the television reporters. “It appears we have had a small E-coli bacteria problem with the water in the Ford River. It is now under control by the Bridgetown Water Treatment Plant and Mr. Carver assures me that the water is perfectly safe for consumption. Some of you have called my office about the chlorine smell coming from the tap water, this was just a precaution and the problem has now been resolved.”
Bernie watched it on the morning news and called Jack. “No news on my water samples?” Jack asked.
“None, and Mayor Burton, is doing a fine cover up. Everyone will relax now and it will be difficult to get any action now that ‘the problem has now been resolved.’ I’m telling you Jack, you better call about those samples.”
Jack and Bernie hung up and Jack called long distance from Calgary to the Ontario Water and Waste management offices. The receptionist put him through to the lab. “But Mr. Giovanni, those results were mailed two weeks ago.” Jack shot imaginary daggers through the phone.
“Two weeks ago, well I don’t have them. Can you tell me where and when, they were mailed?” He waited for what seemed like an hour before the woman came back on the phone. Jack drummed his fingers on the table impatiently, as he waited.
“Yes Sir, the sample results were mailed to Mr. Burton, the mayor’s office in Bridgetown on August 2nd.”
“The mayor’s office? But I specifically put my address on the return with directions to send the results to me or to Professor Sayers at
the university.”
“Yes Sir, but we received notification from our head office to forward all and any results to Mr. Burton’s office. We have done our part. Thank you.” She hung up on him. Jack sat staring at the phone. Damn it. Bureaucracy wins again. I can’t believe it. But who tipped off the head office?
Furious, Jack called Bernie back and told him what happened. “Well, that explains the press conference. If the mayor knows about the carcinogens in the water, he’s keeping it to himself. Or the lab results were changed before they were sent. What do we do now, Jack?” Bernie was the only other person that Jack had told about the intensity of the chemical content of the samples. He didn’t want to worry the others.
“There isn’t much we can do, Bernie. Just keep drinking bottled water and pray there isn’t an increase in the levels. I don’t want to think about what could happen.” Jack tried to stay calm, but he was fuming. “I need to think.”
“How long will you be out west, Jack?” Bernie knew Jack would be very angry. He could hear the restraint in his voice.
“It will be another month at least, Bernie.” Bernie could hear Jack’s controlled breathing. “We are studying an introduced bison herd. Take it easy, pal and give my regards to Chris and Sarah.”
“Will do, bye Jack.” As an afterthought, he added, “And Jack, stay calm.” Jack hung up and in a fit of rage, threw the phone across the room. Why do government officials always hide the truth? How many people will die because of another cover up? Damn them. His fists were clenched and he started pacing. He felt so helpless miles away.
Bernie was perplexed. He knew that Jack would be affronted and he was angry himself because, it wasn’t right. People should be told what is in the water, that they take for granted is safe. He had a good mind to call the Banner. He paced back and forth in his apartment struggling with a decision, but Bernie was not an activist or a brave man. He preferred to remain in the background while people like Jack stood up and made sure they were heard. No, Bernie would let Jack handle it. He went to the refrigerator and took out a beer. He swallowed it in three big gulps, berating himself for being a coward.
Bridgetown's Eleventh Hour Page 7