Exposure to site-related chemicals in on-site buildings, soil, groundwater, surface water, storm water or stream sediment is not expected to cause harmful health effects for people who live or work near the Central Chemical Site in Hagerstown, Md., says the public comment version of the public health assessment released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The document will be available for public review and comment through June 10.
The public health assessment presents ATSDR findings and conclusions, identifies site-related public health issues and recommends follow-up actions to decrease exposure. The assessment conclude that:
Exposure to site-related chemicals in buildings, on-site and off-site soil, groundwater, surface water, storm water or stream sediment contamination is not expected to cause harmful health effects at the Central Chemical Site.
The abandoned buildings on the site pose physical and chemical hazards to trespassers; however, access to the site is restricted.
Past exposures to workers and on-site visitors likely occurred. Because past exposure information is not available, the level of public health hazard for the past cannot be determined.
Public health hazards for future exposures are contingent on remedial actions and future use of the site.
Future use of untreated groundwater for drinking water could pose a public health hazard because of the presence of arsenic, benzene and the pesticides benzene hexachloride (BHC) and dieldrin.
Future use of Marsh Run 2 and Antietam Creek for occasional recreational activities is not likely to pose a public health hazard.
Because the abandoned buildings on the site pose physical and chemical hazards, ATSDR recommends the site boundary fencing be inspected regularly and maintained.
The assessment is available for public review through June 10. The public comment period is an opportunity for residents to review and comment on agency findings or proposed activities noted in the assessment. Residents are encouraged to participate by reviewing the document at
Central Library
100 South Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Comments must be made in writing to
Chief, Records Management Activity
ATSDR
1600 Clifton Road, N.E. (MS E-60)
Atlanta, GA 30333
Comments received during the public comment period will be logged in to the ATSDR administrative record for this public health assessment. Comments received, without the names of individuals who submitted them, and ATSDR responses to the comments will appear in an appendix to the final public health assessment. Names of those who submit comments, however, will be subject to release for requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.
For more information, community members may contact Environmental Health Scientist William Robison or Community Involvement Specialist Loretta Bush, toll-free, at 1-888-422-8737. ATSDR Regional Representative Tom Stukas also may be contacted at 215-814-3142.