Our community has had to endure health hazards from Romic, a negligent toxic waste facility, which operated 13 acres of silver steel smokestacks 24 hrs/day. Many of the regulatory agencies - United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and East Palo Alto Sanitary District (EPASD)- did not know exactly what Romic releases because in its 43 year history, it has never had an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). For the last 16 years, Romic has operated off an expired permit. In 1995, Romic worker Rodrigo Cruz became permanently brain damaged when Romic failed to give him proper training and protection while cleaning toxic sludge, in 2006, Froilan Chan-Liongco received second and third degree burns while performing a welding job because Romic management gave him the "go ahead" although gas levels were high. In addition to exposure to their “normal” operations, Romic discharged ferri-cyanide into the sewer system; repeatedly discharged a cancer causing chemical (nitrosodimethalamyne) into the sewage system; subjected our community to two toxic fires; and released 15 different chemicals over the community which resulted in 'shelter-in-place'. While Romic and regulatory agencies continue to operate with clear disregard for the community, residents continue to note the highest asthma and cancer rates in all of San Mateo County. A survey conducted by YUCA youth among youth ages 13 – 21 revealed that 1 in 4 in this age group suffer from asthma. With unrelenting pressure and work by the community, Romic was finally ordered to close its doors August 2007. We are now working to make sure the facility is properly closed and cleaned and that no other hazardous waste is allowed back into our community.
