Department of Justice delivers report on wastewater agreement to Lowndes County Commission

A representative from the Department of Justice (DOJ) delivered a report to the Lowndes County Commission on a wastewater agreement that was reached with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). 

According to the Lowndes Signal Daria Neal, who is deputy chief of the Civil Rights Division at the DOJ, delivered the report, which outlined certain actions that the ADPH will take regarding wastewater policies in the county. 

This follows an agreement that was reached with the ADPH after it was determined by federal agencies that it was in violation Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

During a meeting on Monday, May 22 Neal explained that the condition of the wastewater infrastructure in Lowndes County will be addressed and that any criminal penalties or liens imposed by the ADPH regarding sanitation will be suspended. 

Barbara Stampwell from the U.S. Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights was also at the meeting and said that the CDC will have a hand in addressing the sanitation issues by assessing the health risks and develop solutions.