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pregnant women, and dialysis patients. According to Dr. Joyce Mathison of the Gypsum Task Force, the proposed permit would allow disposal of an additional 64,550 pounds of aluminum, a metal that cannot be easily filtered from tap water for dialysis, into the waters every day. \(Aluminum accumulates in brain tissue, creating a syndrome Department of Environmental Quality noted that cadmium levels in the Mississippi are already above the legal limit, without adding the cadmium-contaminated gypsum. Cadmium present in the water supply could result in lung and prostate cancers, according to Mathison. Furthermore, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation documented that the effluent would increase the level of mercury in the river by 53 percent, radium by 233 percent, uranium by 133 percent, and arsenic by 38 percent. “FMI wants to be a friend of Louisiana,” Moffett claimed after an explosive city council meeting during which health organiza tions, environmentalists, labor groups, and neighborhood organizations protested the dumping. “Louisiana will never have a better friend.” When DEQ officials denied the permits, however, Moffett publicly said that he would move his friendly Fortune 500 corporation out of Louisiana altogether. “As far as I am concerned the Banana Republic still exists,” he sputtered. To date, absolutely no jobs have been sacrificed. Instead of withdrawing from the area, Freeport began to study alternative uses for the gypsum, including a roadbed material made from a mixture of gypsum, petroleum coke, clay, and other solids. In July 1989 work was stopped at a roadbed site on U.S. Highway 90 when it was reported that a material coming from a plant in the “chemical corridor” was being used in the construction, without notification of the DEQ. According to the Daily Review of called Florolite, made by Allied Chemical, had been approved for a test stretch of the Highway 90 construction without any chemical analysis by a state agency. The gypsumbased product had been installed in a 2,000foot length of the road, when area residents began to report dead and dying vegetation, trees, and possibly animal life. Samples taken in the area showed an acidity level nearly six times the maximum safe level for plants and wildlife. The Review had reported in August 1988 that tests performed on Florolite by an independent lab demonstrated increased acidity in the substance when exposed to water, and it was found to be too acidic to be used in proximity to either metal or concrete. Louisiana has stopped using the gypsum roadbed material, and Freeport continues to stockpile its gypsum while “investigating” alternatives. Further, in spite of Moffett’s threat to leave the state, the Wall Street Journal reported in February that Freeport would increase its investment in Agrico’s phosphate fertilizer and sulfur subsidiaries, still among its most profitable enterprises. SOCIAL CAUSE CALENDAR SHELTER COUNSELORS Casa Marianela, an Austin shelter for Central American refugees, is seeking individuals to work with 13 boys coming from detention centers. Call 385-5571 for more information. LITERATURE ANTHOLOGY The University of Arizona Press announces the forthcoming publication of New Chicano Writing, an anthology of creative literature to be published annually consisting of prose, poetry, drama, and creative essay. The editorial board includes: Gloria Anzaldua, Sandra Cisneros, Rolando Hinojosa, and Gary Soto. Submissions may be written in English, Spanish, or a combination of the two languages. Contact Charles Tatum at the University of PORTRAITS OF AIDS “Portraits in the Time of AIDS,” an exhibition of photographs by Rosalind Solomon, will be held at Women and Their Work Gallery, located at 1501 West Fifth St., Austin, from July 9 September 1. 1064. CENTRAL TEXAS HISTORY The Austin History Center presents “Just Outside Austin” from August 28 November 17. Using photographs, manuscripts, books, and memorabilia from the collections of the Austin History Center, the exhibit will focus on the history of some of the obscure as well as the prominent Travis County communities which OBSERVANCES August 17, 1921 Drilling started for the Santa Rita oil well. August 20, 1619 First black slaves land at Jamestown, Virginia. August 21, 1831 Nat Turner leads slave rebellion in Virginia. August 21, 1971 George Jackson, blackpower advocate, killed trying to escape from Soledad Prison, California. August 23, 1927 Sacco and Vanzetti executed. August 24, 1945 Congress passes Communist Control Act. August 25, 1859 First commercially viable oil well drilled. August 26 Women’s Equality Day August 26, 1920 Nineteenth Amendment ratified. August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. delivers “I have a dream” speech at March on Washington. August 28, 1968 Hundreds arrested in Chicago during Democratic National Convention. August 29, 1758 First “Indian” reservation established. have so often been overshadowed by their proximity to the capital of Texas. In honor of Travis County’s 150th birthday, the exhibit will highlight the individuals and families who settled the communi ties, as well as the institutions \(schools, around which the community’s life revolved. Individuals with information or materials which they may be willing to donate or lend for photographic reproduction should contact the Center. For more COMMON TIME IN AUSTIN Common Cause/Texas will hold its second annual Uncommon Event on Thursday, September 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the American Legion Mansion in Austin. Common Cause is a national public-interest group dedicated to improving the democratic process to achieve a more responsive and accountable government. The fundraiser features barbeque, entertainment, and a silent auction. For POPULIST ALLIANCE DEBUTS The first statewide meeting of the Texas Populist Alliance will be held at the Crest Hotel in Austin September 8 9. Popuing environmentalists, consumer advocates, civil rights activists, small-business owners, labor leaders, and grassroots organizers will gather with Jim Hightower, John Bryant, Craig Washington, Juan Hinojosa, Billie Can, Joe Gunn, Andy Hernandez, Lawrence Goodwyn, Ernestine Glossbrenner, William Greider, and many others to plan a strategy for a “people’s politics” in Texas. For more 10 AUGUST 17, 1990