 |
|
|
Meeting notice May 12, 2003Contact: Bonnie Widerburg (503) 731-4180 Technical contact: Ken Kauffman (503) 731-4012 Public meeting to address groundwater nitrates at Redmond Tallow The state Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public meeting on this week in Redmond to discuss high levels of nitrates found in the groundwater at the Redmond Tallow Company, located three miles northeast of Redmond. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday at Redmond High School, 675 SW Rimrock Drive in Redmond.DHS has declared that nitrates found in the water at the Redmond Tallow rendering plant pose a public health hazard. People who may be affected are families and individuals who live on or work at the site. At the meeting, state officials will present information about a DHS public health consultation report and DEQ cleanup plans for the site. Attendees will be able to provide comments to DHS and DEQ and have opportunity to talk one-on-one with health experts about nitrates in well water. Public health representatives from Deschutes County Health Department will also be present. Years of disposing of animal waste at the Redmond Tallow property led to high nitrate levels in the ground water, according to the DHS report. High levels of nitrates in drinking water are potentially harmful to humans and animals. Infants less than six months may be at risk of "blue baby syndrome," which hinders the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues. Health concerns for adults who regularly drink water high in nitrates include increased risk of cancer and early miscarriage. The DHS public health consultation was done in collaboration with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR). The entire report is available on the Web. Public comment is welcomed and will be taken until June 9. Written comments can be sent to: Chief, Program Evaluation, Records and Information Services Branch, ATSDR, 1600 Clifton Rd., N.E. (MS-E60), Atlanta, GA 30333. |
|
