What: 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 a draft health consultation announcing an urgent public health hazard related to fire and explosion for Cady Road residents who use private well water. The area of concern is an estimated 1/2 mile stretch of Cady Road, located in North Royalton, about 20 miles southeast of Cleveland.

In May 2002, ATSDR found explosive levels of methane and other combustible gases near two wellheads on the road, and near-explosive levels in two homes on the road. A public health hazard also exists from exposure to hydrogen sulfide in the water. These gases are in the groundwater that residents use for private well water. In June 2002, ATSDR issued an initial notice to area residents alerting them to the fire and explosion hazard.

ATSDR recommends that an alternate whole-house water supply be provided to the homes on Cady Road that currently do not have access to municipal water. The use of bottled water, however, does not negate the explosion and fire hazard associated with the use of well water.

Until an alternate water supply is provided, ATSDR advises area residents to observe the following best public health practices:

• ventilate well houses to avoid accumulation of combustible gases;
• ventilate to the outdoors any enclosed areas in houses where water is used (e.g., basements, bathrooms)
• avoid all sources of ignition in any enclosed areas (e.g., basements and closets) or other areas identified to have high concentrations of methane or other combustible gases (e.g., near wellheads). Sources of ignition include pilot lights, lighters, matches, candles, lighting cigarettes or smoking, outdoor grilling or barbecuing, using gas or electric-powered equipment, or hammering metal objects that could cause a spark;
• consider installing combustible gas indicators in basements or other enclosed areas where running water could result in a buildup of gases. These indicators provide a warning if gases reach near-explosive levels.

Should other area residents be concerned about the safety of their wells, ATSDR recommends they follow the above precautions until they arrange to have their well tested.

ATSDR held a public meeting on September 4, 2002 at the Police Facility Mayor's Courtroom, 14000 Bennett Road in North Royalton, Ohio. The meeting was originally scheduled to be at the North Royalton High School.

ATSDR discussed the May 2002 exposure investigation and the conclusions and recommendations in the draft health consultation with community members. (The new health consultation replaces an initial draft released in September 2001.)

The draft health consultation is available for public review and comment at the following repository:

North Royalton Public Library
14600 State Road
North Royalton, Ohio 44133

The public comment period begins September 10, 2002, and ends October 11, 2002.

ATSDR welcomes comments from the public. Send written comments to the following address:

Chief, Program Evaluation, Records and Information Services Branch
ATSDR, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Mailstop E-56
Atlanta, GA 30333

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged into the administrative record of the health consultation. Public comments and ATSDR's responses will be included in an appendix to the final health consultation when it is released. Although the names of those who submit comments will not be included in the final health consultation, the names are subject to release to requests made under the US Freedom of Information Act.

For more information, call Jennifer Freed, ATSDR environmental health scientist, or Rose Jackson, ATSDR health communications specialist, toll free, at 1-888-422-8737