Analytic Frameworks for Evaluating the Flint Water Crisis

Epic Organizational Failure “Crisis researchers will see this as one of the most important events in this time…We have other awful examples (of crisis management) such as the space shuttle Challenger explosion and Hurricane Katrina, Flint will be that big of a deal.” Matthew Seeger Wayne State University (Bridge Magazine also singled out the Epic orgaizational failures of the BP Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill and the response of the Catholic Church to the Child Molestation by Priests scandals)

How the State of Michigan Government Failed Flint This level of analysis focuses on the decisions which led to the leaching of lead from the pipe’s in the water system of Flint and then the sources of delay in recognizing the magnitude so the result.

The Prevailing Cultures of State and Local Government This level of analysis focuses on the “culture” within the between the Department of Environmental Quality The Emergency Managers The Water Official of Flint The Department or Health and Human Services The Office of Governor The Mayors and City Councils

Consequences of Decision-Making on Water Treatment Made on the Basis of Cost and Feasibility Level of analysis suggested by Philippe Grandjean of Harvard University School of Public Health

Capacity of Human Beings to Ignore Risk Level of analysis suggested by Bob Seeger of Wayne State University which has several dimensions. Why did people in positions of authority ignore “flashing red lights”? Why did experts with MDEQ, MDHHS stick to their own (often faculty) data analysis and ignoring (and at times) seeking to discredit findings from EPA expert Miguel Del Toral?

Why do organizations create “tenacious justifications fro what’s going on. By trying to be on the same page, people lose track (of what’s important” Bob Seeger Wayne University

The role of systemic racism, implicit bias, the legacy of segregation, and environmental injustice The 2017 report of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission assembled information which makes it possible to address such questions as: Would the Flint Water Crisis Happen in Beverly Hills? Did anyone intend to poison the people of Flint?

The role of law in transforming the case of Flint This level of analysis enables an examination of requirements imposed on Flint officials by the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 and obligations under the Lead and Copper rule. Also considered is analysis of obligations under the law for state officials reflected in the different felony and misdemeanor charges filed by the Michigan Attorney General against 15 state officials.

The Lawsuits under the Safe Drinking Water Act against the State of Michigan resulted in a settlement of $87 million requiring the government to replace lead contaminated pipes within 3 years With respect to criminal cases, 4 of 15 charged have pled guilty in return for reduced sentences. Others are contesting the charges. Police brutality has been considered a violation of civil rights. Environmental crimes have been contested under environmental laws. The Flint legal cases will be contested for years.

Do you believe the threat of punishment will make officials more accountable? Yes No

Do you believe that government officials, like police officers or firemen, should have strong protection against civil charges because otherwise they could not do their jobs? Yes No

Do you believe that government officials, like police officers or firemen, should have strong protection against criminal charges because otherwise they could not do their jobs?   Yes No