North Winneshiek School Board, county supervisor candidate Bob Watson both clarify the lawsuit against the EPA

A group of Winneshiek County residents including county supervisor candidate Bob Watson have sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contending the air near the North Winneshiek School does not meet federal standards because of emissions from nearby confined animal operations.

The lawsuit has prompted a public letter from the North Winneshiek School Board, which declares in part, "The North Winneshiek Board of Directors wants the community to know the North Winneshiek School District is not affiliated with Bob Watson's campaign in any way.  Also, the North Winneshiek Board of Directors is not affiliated with the current lawsuit that is proposed by local citizens against the EPA."

That letter has prompted a letter from Bob Watson, which says, "I agree with Tim Dugger and the North Winneshiek SchoolBoard. They have had nothing to do with the EPA lawsuit."

Said the letter, "We'veexplored many avenues in trying to resolve these North Winn air quality issuesincluding the current EPA lawsuit and my candidacy for county supervisor. Theair quality issue is not one that North Winn has had any control over."

As part of his county supervisor campaign, Watson has suggested the county should pay for a new HVAC system for North Winneshiek School.  He says such a system, with the correct filters, would allowthe kids to have clean and safe air to breathe at least while they are insidethe building.

But Watson says the lawsuit against the E.P.A. was not filed by the North Winneshiek School Board, but "mothers, teachers, former students, parents,grandparents, relatives, friends, and community members."