ACAT is a statewide organization established in
1997 and dedicated to achieving environmental health and
justice. Our mission is: to assure justice by advocating
for environmental and community health. We believe that
everyone has the right to clean air, clean water, and
toxic-free food. We work to eliminate the production and
release of harmful chemicals by industry and military
sources; ensure community right-to-know; achieve policies
based on the precautionary principle; and support the rights
and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. ACAT has four program
areas: Military Toxics and Health; Northern Contaminants and
Health; Pesticide Right-to-Know; and Water Quality
Protection.
Our services include:
Geographic Information System Computer Mapping:
We developed the only comprehensive data base of
contaminated sites in Alaska with the mapping of 2,000
military, oil and gas, mining and other industrial sites. We
are using GIS to create an understanding of the nature and
extent of contamination in relation to communities, water
sources, environmentally sensitive areas, and subsistence
use areas. The database serves as a tool to characterize the
contaminated sites and ensure responsible cleanup.
Investigative Research:
We assist individuals and communities in accessing and
interpreting information, documents, and records through the
Freedom of Information Act, Internet, and literature
reviews. We work collaboratively with communities to develop
community-based environmental sampling, toxics audits, and
environmental health surveys. We serve as a clearinghouse
for the latest scientific and medical information concerning
contaminants, health effects, and cleanup technologies.
Advocacy:
We work with environmental justice organizations throughout
the country to prevent the production and proliferation of
toxic and radioactive contaminants that threaten
environmental and human health. We assist communities in
achieving responsible action from agencies and polluters. We
work to strengthen citizens' rights under
community-right-to-know and other environmental laws.
Training:
We bring together scientific and medical experts,
environmental justice and tribal leaders, organizers, and
activists to share information on environmental sampling,
community-based environmental health surveys, GIS
technology, health effects, research tools, and media work.
Tracking Toxics" an Orion Magazine article about Alaska
Community Action on Toxics by Bill Sherwonit
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