The letter from Ron Campbell comparing the botched EPA cleanup with the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster brings disingenuous to a whole new level (Letters, Herald, Aug. 19). The EPA was attempting to clean up an environmental disaster left by a mining company. It was apparently poorly planned and executed. The agency should be held responsible for its mistakes. The reason the EPA was involved at all was the fact that there was an environmental disaster hanging over our heads. The goal was to protect the environment. The EPA failed.
The BP Deepwater Horizon incident was completely self-inflicted in a rush to maximize profits at the expense of the environment. It was even more poorly planned and executed. The result had been predicted by many for quite some time. There was no altruistic rationale for BP’s actions. The company was there to make a fast buck, the environment be damned.
To try and compare the two events and organizations is ridiculous.
The facts are that the EPA was attempting to clean up an existing toxic waste site. BP created an environmental disaster all by itself. The EPA is being held accountable. BP has already reneged on its promise to hold itself accountable and has left the taxpayers holding the bag.
To try and equate the two is shameful.
Chet McKee
Bayfield
