Home Media Center News Releases

Los Angeles, CA?The national president of the union representing Customs Service employees toured their workplace at Terminal Island yesterday. President Colleen M. Kelley of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) described the health hazards there as "absolutely intolerable" and "unacceptable," and urged the government's General Services Administration (GSA) and Customs to move forward promptly to permanently relocate all employees assigned to the facility.

About half the 500 employees assigned to Terminal Island continue to work there despite the serious health risks, including exposure to particulate matter from a nearby petroleum coke facility, asbestos, noxious fumes and other air pollutants. Others already have been relocated, thanks largely to the insistence of NTEU and its local leaders.

After touring the 35?year?old facility, she expressed NTEU's "continuing and grave concern" over its impact on the health of the 250 employees who have yet to be moved despite continuing demands by the union, Customs and some members of Congress.

Last month, GSA agreed to a permanent move of all employees from Terminal Island, but Kelley said she is concerned that plan could take "several years" to complete. "We're not willing to wait," she said.

Kelley visited Terminal Island with leaders of the two NTEU chapters that represent Customs employees in the Los Angeles area. She is scheduled to present testimony today on the Terminal Island health hazards and on Customs staffing issues before a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology of the Committee on Government Reform. NTEU represents more than 13,000 Customs employees nationwide.

Until last month, GSA refused anything more than a temporary move of some of the employees assigned to the Terminal Island Customhouse, pending completion of roof repairs and asbestos removal, insisting that environmental conditions there did not warrant such action. GSA, which is the government's landlord, since has altered its stance, but Kelley is insisting they move forward on an accelerated timetable.

"Every day, more employees complain of health problems," Kelley said after the tour. "Every day, these employees are exposed to these health risks that may have lasting and long-term impact on their lives." She said NTEU "will continue to press Customs to act now in the best interests of employees and to do what it has urged GSA to do just a few months ago provide relief as soon as possible.'

Customs first occupied Terminal Island in 1965, at a time when it was not surrounded by industrial facilities, including those handling and storing hazardous materials. The 124?acre coal handling facility, known as the Los Angeles Export Terminal, is within 200 feet of the Customhouse. It was constructed in 1996, and has a 20?million ton capacity, with more than 1,000 rail cars of coal each month being moved by open?air conveyor belts and stored in huge, open piles 60 feet high.