A federal health assessment found no apparent health hazards at the 68th Street Dump Site in its current use. However to prevent unnecessary exposure, officials are warning members of the public to not trespass onto or fish at the 150-acre site.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is seeking public comments on its public health assessment until June 19. ATSDR examined available data to find out if people are being or may have been exposed to hazardous substances from the site and to determine if the exposure might affect their health.
Based on the data, average exposures to contamination across the site are not expected to result in adverse health effects. However, some land use situations - such as sub-surface soil being unearthed - could result in unnecessary exposure to lead and chemicals. Scientists say ingesting an amount of soil large enough to cause health effects would be extremely unlikely. Remediation is planned in the near future for the site under the Superfund Alternative Site process.
ATSDR was not able to evaluate fully the health risk of eating fish caught at the site but recommends that local fishermen avoid fishing at the site and fish only in state-recommended areas. ATSDR was also unable to evaluate whether vapor intrusion may cause future exposure to volatile chemicals in onsite buildings or bordering residences.
Not enough sampling or exposure data were available to evaluate past exposures from private well water off-site or from air contamination during on-site fires.
The agency recommends further sampling and characterization of contaminants at the site.
Interested persons are encouraged to read the public health assessment and make comments during the public comment period. A copy of the public health assessment is located at:
Rosedale Branch Library
6105 Kenwood Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21237
Or
US EPA Region III
Public Reading Room
1650 Arch Street - 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Comments on the health assessment must be made in writing. Comments received and ATSDR's responses to these comments will appear in an appendix to the final public health assessment.
Mail comments to: Records Center, ATSDR ATTN: 68th Street Dump Site ATSDR Site, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E. MS F-09 Atlanta, GA 30333
For more information, community members may contact:
Tonia Burk, Ph.D., Environmental Health Scientist, 770-488-0764 or 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
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Members of the news media can request an interview by calling the NCEH/ATSDR Health Communication Science Office at 770-488-0700.