Opinion ID: 4536379
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Rosenthal

Text: Adam Rosenthal was the MDEQ Water Quality Analyst. He did not stop the switch to the Flint River in spite of Glasgow’s warning that the FWTP was not ready. Id. at 46, ¶ 129 (Page ID #17849). He knew as early as May 2014 that the water contained high TTHM levels that were above regulation (and indicated lead contamination), and did nothing. Id. at 58, ¶ 172 (Page ID #17861). In July 2015, Glasgow wrote to him that “Flint has lots of lead pipe, no corrosion control treatment” and that “[t]his is an unprecedented situation and EPA needs to take this seriously. Now.” Id. at 89, ¶ 267 (Page ID #17892). Yet, Glasgow wrote, “MDEQ is still publicly insisting Flint water has tested safe, is safe, and that [F]lint has no violations of any sort.” Id. Rosenthal, apparently unmoved, soon afterward distributed a distorted water quality report that was altered to exclude high lead levels. Id. at 91, ¶ 273 (Page ID #17894). He has also been accused of manipulating and falsely reporting the test results. Id. His alleged role in creating, failing to mitigate, and covering up the crisis plausibly demonstrates deliberate indifference.