Dunbar's toxic sludge brings University of Miami law students to town

Diego Traibel, a Law student from University of MiamiÕs Environmental Justice Clinic, walks around and documents Home-a-rama. Law students from University of MiamiÕs Environmental Justice Clinic hit the Dunbar streets this morning after breakfast at a Fort Myers icon, the FarmerÕs Market to gather resident histories around the toxic dump site known by the city and Department of Environmental protection as Home-a-rama. As well as document what they could see of the site itself.

 

Raquel Toral University of Miami School of Law Environmental Justice Legal Intern Rising 2L gets information from Dunbar resident Curtis Sheard about the area he feels they should be taking a look at around Home-a-Rama. The law students from Miami were invited to Fort Myers by Anthony Thomas to gather information and interview community members about the site.

Law students from University of Miami’s Environmental Justice Clinic hit the Dunbar streets this morning after breakfast at a Fort Myers icon, the Farmer’s Market.

Their agenda: to gather resident histories around the toxic dump site known by the city and Department of Environmental protection as Home-a-rama.

City of Fort Myers dumped toxic sludge in Dunbar

“We were invited by Anthony Thomas and other community organizers to gather information and visit the site,” team leader Abigail Fleming said. “We understand the seriousness of the issue, and ask the community for their assistance.”

Fleming is joined by four other UM law students – Diego Traibel, Steven Hollis, Lauren Oswald and Raquel Toral – who’ll be touring the site and looking to talk with residents along Henderson and Midway avenues and Stella, Dora, South and Jeffcott streets.  

“We want to hear about their experiences and any concerns they have about the site in their midst,” said Fleming. “Whether their children play there, any health concerns they are having, and the history of the land ownership and the water source, past and present. That’s very important.”  

Curtis Sheard, who grew up playing on the site in the 1970s and '80s, is one concerned resident and organizer helping the team connect with home owners.

“No one can come from the outside and just walk in,” Sheard said.

Dunbar residents seek justice for toxic dumping in their neighborhood

The most important knowledge about the site lies in the historic memories and data dating to 1962.  

“The current data is skewed because it doesn’t take into effect the long-term effects of well water we consumed for two decades,” Sheard explained.

The team will be in the area until 7 or 8 p.m. Friday evening and invites community members who are at work to call them at (678) 602-0509 to meet in person or conduct phone interviews.

Back in Miami, the law students will review the information they gathered and conduct more research.

“We hope to schedule another visit next Saturday,” Fleming said.  

Fleming and the UM Environmental Justice Clinic team can be reached at (678) 602-0509.  

Follow this reporter on Twitter @PatriciaBorns.