By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Bob Bowcock, chief environmental investigator for consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, said the recent Naegleria fowleri ameba detection in St. John the Baptist Parish Water District 1 concerns him because, to him, it indicates far-worse parasites could be lurking in the parish’s water supply.

Bowcock traveled to LaPlace this week to address the concerns of parish residents. He said several residents contacted him and Brockovich after the Aug. 27 announcement the “brain-eating” ameba was found in a parish water system that serves six parish schools and more than 12,500 people in Reserve, Garyville, Mt. Airy and a small portion of LaPlace on West 5th Street from Acorn Street to Apricot Street.

He said “it’s very, very complex what’s going on” with the water supply in St. John Parish, and he is hoping to help the parish government and community “finally come up with a solution.”

Louisiana State Police launched an investigation last week following the ameba announcement. State Police Troop B spokeswoman Melissa Matey said the on-going investigation would include “whether or not procedures were followed and proper water samples were taken” and would focus on studying any inconsistencies with paperwork and procedures.

Parish President Natalie Robottom said the names and contact information of four parish employees were given to State Police officials for interviews, which Matey said have begun.

Robottom said of the four employees, two are water quality sampler inspectors, one is the water treatment manager and the other is the utilities director.

Tammy Waltz, community relations coordinator at River Parishes Hospital, said Monday the hospital has not had any patients seeking treatment for suspected ameba contraction.

St. John Parish Public Information Officer Baileigh Rebowe said the parish hasn’t been contacted by any hospital or clinic regarding residents seeking treatment.

“We continue to recommend that if someone isn’t feeling well to see their medical provider immediately,” Rebowe said.

“Although contraction of this infection is extremely rare, residents are advised to please heed the precautions of not getting water up their nose until advised otherwise.”