The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will hold a public meeting on April 11 to discuss the results of its hydrogen sulfide groundwater investigation.

The purpose of the public meeting is to release the results of ATSDR's analysis of water data collected to measure hydrogen sulfide levels in the local groundwater. The meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, at 3765 West Market Street, Leavittsburg, Ohio.

After evaluating the environmental data, ATSDR concluded that:

• Hydrogen sulfide gas occurs naturally in the geological formations beneath Warren Township, but not at significantly high levels.

• The residential wells in Warren Township are known to have fair water quality, with naturally elevated concentrations of iron, manganese and sulfate. The levels of metals in the residential wells tested do not present a health problem.

• Some residents might be exposed to hydrogen sulfide from gases coming out of the well and into the home. Still, this exposure would be short and sporadic, and is not likely to cause lasting serious health effects.

ATSDR also observes that residents without water filters who notice the hydrogen sulfide "rotten egg smell" might decrease exposure by taking the following simple steps, which also are sound public health practices:

• Ventilate the bathroom with the use of bathroom ventilation fans when bathing or showering.

• If there is a sulfur odor, ventilate the basement or laundry room with the use of fans, open windows and vents when washing or folding clothes.

• Install a water-treatment system. Some treatment systems can decrease or eliminate hydrogen sulfide from water. Local water treatment companies can advise residents of the types of treatment systems.

ATSDR recommends that Warren Recycling Inc. install and periodically sample monitoring wells on the site property to ensure that facility operations do not negatively impact area drinking water sources.

Community members seeking information on the public meeting may contact Regional Representative Michelle Colledge may be contacted at 312-886-1462. Health Communications Specialist Lorine Spencer may also be contacted toll free at
1-888-422-8737. Refer to the Warren Township site in Warren, Ohio, when calling.