"That's what we're beginning to tackle right now," Ms. Ash said.

"I know the community is saying it wasn't informed," Ms. Ash said.

"I think it will operate as a good neighbor," Ms. Ash said.

But Ms. Ash made more of an impact than most.

Ms. Ash saw business drop by nearly 60 percent.

At the school, Ms. Ash began to remold her body.

Sitting on the table in front of you is an e-mail that was brought here after it was taken from your computer by Ms. Ash.

"Did you give Ms. Ash permission to access this e-mail, or any other for that matter, on your computer?"

Ms. Ash said the environmental department was trying to assess the impact of the spill.

But she expressed confidence that Ms. Ash could help turn the system around.