Former Ohio EPA employees appeal firings in wake of Sebring water crisis
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Two former state workers appeal their firings by the state Environmental Protection Agency.
The Ohio EPA claims the mishandling of the Sebring water situation lead to the termination of Ken Baughman and his supervisor, Julie Spangler.
The EPA alleges Baughman never made sure the agency's field office received test results-- results that would have shown dangerous levels of lead in Sebring's water.
Spangler field an appeal with the state. Baughman is represented by the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association. His grievance hearing will take place next month.
21 News reached out the O.C.S.E.A. for comment and is waiting to hear back.
Ohio EPA Spokesperson Heidi Griesmer provided this statement: "the employees have a right to due process and the EPA will participate in its role."
Griesmer says voluntary water test results are trickling in slowly as she says the situation continues to show improvement.
The 8,100 customers of the water system in Sebring, Beloit and Maple Ridge were informed on Jan. 21 that water samples gathered from seven homes tested for higher than acceptable levels of lead.
An advisory went out recommending that children 6 and younger and pregnant women refrain from drinking the water.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency reported March 15 on the 15th round of water tests. All 15 samples were below the federal allowable level of lead.
Combined with earlier voluntary tests received, only 47 of 1,104 samples have been above the federal allowable level.
The agency ordered the village on January 21 to offer free water testing for any homeowner who asked, after it was revealed that seven homes had tested for high lead levels five months before.
The delay in notifying the public about the risk spurred an investigation that resulted in the firings of Baughman and Spangler.
Water is being distributed from the Sebring Community Center at 305 W. Texas Ave. on the following dates/times:
March 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
March 30, 1-7 p.m.
March 31, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
April 4, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 6, 1-7 p.m.
April 7, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The notice said further distribution dates and hours will be determined later.
With limited supply of bottled water, each qualifying person in a household will receive the equivalent of one gallon, per person, per day. No consumer will receive a supply exceeding six days per distribution.
To receive bottled water, residents and businesses must be able to show proof that they are current customers of Sebring Water.
However, households and businesses that test OK for water quality are ineligible. Those wishing to have their water tested free of charge may obtain sample bottles along with instructions on how to properly collect the water.
Residents may pick up bottles at the Village of Sebring Municipal Building, 135 East Ohio Ave., Sebring, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The samples must then be dropped off at the Municipal Building on Mondays or Wednesdays no later than 10 a.m.
Water testing bottles are available until further notice.
Lead results will be provided to the residents via email. A paper copy will also be provided to the Village. Residents without an email address may obtain a paper copy at the Municipal Building.
Questions about water testing may be directed to the Village by calling 330-938-9340.
