Protective Order for Dr. Christopher Portier
Plaintiffs’ attorneys have scheduled the deposition of Dr. Christopher Portier, former Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), for May 28, 2024, in Domodossola, Italy.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a motion arguing against conducting the deposition in Italy, citing the logistical challenges and expenses outweighing potential benefits. They contend that Dr. Portier had limited direct involvement in the Camp Lejeune studies and that relevant information is already accessible through scheduled depositions of other key ATSDR scientists.
While the DOJ questions the necessity of Dr. Portier’s testimony, his insights could be crucial. Dr. Portier’s previous critical review of the National Research Council’s report on Camp Lejeune identified deficiencies and provided valuable perspectives on health impacts. Despite potential logistical hurdles, his testimony may shed light on ATSDR’s approach to addressing health risks and the internal dynamics influencing their response to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
