California Tribal Casino Under Investigation
As reported by the San Diego
Union-Tribune: "In response to pleas from frustrated
county officials, the state is investigating complaints
of unsafe working conditions and improper waste
disposal at the Campo Indian tribe's Golden Acorn
Casino.
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office
wants to inspect the casino's sewage treatment plant
to ensure that it does not pose a threat to public
health, said Vince Sollitto, the governor's spokesman.
"The investigation is in response to a letter
from county Supervisor Dianne Jacob, whose district
includes the Golden Acorn.
"Jacob wrote the letter July 21, after The
San Diego Union-Tribune reported that wastewater
with 700 times the amount of coliform bacteria allowed
under state law was being sprayed onto the ground
in an unfenced area behind the casino.
"The news was especially troubling to residents
and businesses on or near the reservation because
they rely on groundwater for drinking and cooking.
"…Jacob asked the governor to step in
because the county doesn't have jurisdiction over
most American Indian land – even in situations
that pose a serious risk to public health. Someone
must ensure the safety of Campo tribal members and
casino employees, patrons and neighbors, she said.
"…The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency inspected the casino's treatment plant this
year but did not test the water for harmful bacteria
or require the casino to provide safety equipment
for workers.
"…Since the Union-Tribune story was
published in June, the Campo tribe and casino management
have taken steps to deal with the sewage problems.
In the past few days, the tribe finished installing
a fence around the field where wastewater is being
sprayed, said Ray Cruz, who is in charge of casino
facilities…"
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