ATLANTA - The Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard site in Baltimore does not pose a public health hazard, says a public health assessment released today by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The federal public health agency reported that exposure to contamination in on-site surface soil, surface water and sediment is not at levels that might cause adverse health effects.

Fish and crabs at the site also do not pose a public health hazard if they are consumed consistent with recommendations in fish advisories issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The advisories cover the entire Patapsco River basin, which includes the site.

ATSDR recommends that recreational fishermen follow all MDE fish consumption advisories. For more information about the MDE fish advisories, visit www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/fish/advisory_summary.pdf.

The public health assessment was previously made available to the public for review and comment. The final report is now available for review at the North County Library, 1010 Eastway St., Glen Burnie, MD 21061.

For more information, community members can contact environmental health scientists Katherine E. Hanks or Gary Campbell, toll-free, at 1-888-422-8737. Regional Representative Tom Stukas also may be contacted at 215-814-3142. Callers should refer to the Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard site in Baltimore.