ATSDR Releases Health Consultation for Salisbury, NC Groundwater Site

Rowan County, Salisbury, North Carolina

Monday, August 13, 2012

ATLANTA—Chemicals found in the groundwater of the Milford Hills and Milford Terrace neighborhoods in Salisbury, NC, are not at levels to cause health concerns, says the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in a final health consultation released today. The chemicals in the groundwater do not appear to come from nearby industrial facilities.

The health consultation evaluates the migration of groundwater contaminants from asphalt and petroleum facilities into the Milford Hills or Milford Terrace areas northwest of Salisbury. ATSDR scientists investigated the possible contamination of private wells and potential adverse health effects in residents who drank that water. ATSDR also evaluated possible worker exposure to groundwater contaminants and potential exposure to groundwater contaminants from other smaller facilities.

Based on this evaluation, ATSDR reached the following conclusions:

• Adverse health effects are not expected among
  • residents who drank well water in the Milford Hills or Milford Terrace areas.
  • workers who drank water from the on-site well at the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Testing Facility #45.
  • workers or nearby residents from breathing TCE in contaminated well water used for settling dust or washing vehicles at the NCDOT #45 site.
• No other volatile organic compounds were detected in residential or industrial drinking water wells at levels considered to increase adverse health effects.”  Private wells in Milford Hills and Milford Terrace are not affected by the groundwater contaminants at the sites.
• No future health risks are expected from the groundwater near the industrial facilities of interest along Jake Alexander Boulevard.

ATSDR recommends the following actions:

• North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources should continue periodic sampling of the four private wells being used in the Milford Terrace community
• Owners should permanently seal contaminated commercial or residential private wells that are no longer used.

To read the health consultation, go to http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/pha/HCPHA.asp?State=NC.

A copy of the public health assessment is also available at Rowan County Library, 201 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

For more information about the health consultation, community members can contact Rob Robinson, Environmental Health Scientist, in Atlanta at RERobinson@cdc.gov or 770-488-3334 or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO. 

Members of the news media can request an interview by calling the NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700.

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Related News Releases For Rowan County, Salisbury, North Carolina

 

ATSDR Releases Health Consultation for Salisbury, NC, Groundwater Site
Release Date: Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Chemicals found in the groundwater of the Milford Hills and Milford Terrace subdivisions in Salisbury, NC, do not appear to come from nearby industrial facilities, nor are they expected to be at levels that cause health concerns, says the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in a health consultation released today for public comment.

ATSDR Releases Report on Health Impact of Asphalt Plants in Salisbury, NC
Release Date: Thursday, February 22, 2007
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) evaluated air surrounding two asphalt facilities in Salisbury, N.C; the agency concluded that during a four month period in 2001 the air generally did not pose a health hazard. However, some levels of particles released from the facilities were above regulatory standards and could have caused respiratory irritation to asthmatics and other sensitive individuals.

ATSDR To Present Cancer Assessment in Salisbury, N.C.
Release Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2006
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will host a public availability session on March 27 to present the findings of cancer incidence for the Salisbury, N.C., area.

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