The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, today released for public review and comment its public health consultation on the Martin County Coal Company site in Inez, Ky.

The public comment period for the public health consultation lasts through June 9, 2003.

The public health consultation evaluates environmental data and addresses community health concerns associated with a coal slurry spill that flooded area streams in 2000.

ATSDR concludes that there were no exposures to contaminants at levels of health concern. Accordingly, ATSDR categorizes the site as not being an apparent public health hazard.

The document is available for public review at the Martin County Public Library, Main St., Inez.

Comments on the public health consultation must be made in writing. Mail comments to:
Chief, Program Evaluation, Records and Information Services Branch
ATSDR
1600 Clifton Rd., NE (MS E-32)
Atlanta, GA 30333

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged in to ATSDR's administrative record for this health consultation. Comments received, without the names of individuals who submitted them, and ATSDR's responses to the comments will appear in an appendix to the final public health consultation. Names of those who submit comments, however, will be subject to release for requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

Community members seeking information on the procedures or the content of the public health consultation may contact Environmental Health Scientist Amanda Gonzalez, or Health Communications Specialist Loretta Bush, toll free, at 1-888-422-8737.

Regional Representative Bob Safay also may be contacted in Atlanta at 404-562-1782. Refer to the Martin County Coal Company site in Inez, Ky., when you call.