Note: The public availability session scheduled for 1-28-10 has been rescheduled due to severe weather predictions. See the updated press release for additional information.
In response to interest expressed by the community, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are hosting a public availability session in Chanute to better understand the community’s environmental health concerns. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency will also be present to discuss the Ash Grove Cement Company’s application to renew its air permit.
The session will be held on Thursday, January 28, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Oak Room of the Student Union Building at the Neosho Community College, which is located at 800 West 14th Street in Chanute (zip code 66720). A public availability session gives community members the opportunity to meet one-on-one with ATSDR and KDHE staff to share their comments and health concerns.
Community members may come by anytime during the 4-hour session to speak privately with an ATSDR or KDHE representative. No formal presentations will be made, and all discussions will be kept confidential.
For more information about the public availability session, please contact ATSDR Regional Representative Sue Casteel at 913-551-1312 or scasteel@cdc.gov, or ATSDR Health Communications Specialist Pam Gilbertz at 770-488-0622 or pkw2@cdc.gov. When calling, please refer to the ATSDR site in Chanute, Kansas.
Note to reporters and editors: A media availability session will be held at the same location from 3 to 3:30 PM before the 4-8 PM public availability session.
###
ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.
Members of the news media can request an interview by calling the NCEH/ATSDR Health Communication Science Office at 770-488-0700 or e-mailing atsdrmediainquiries@cdc.gov.