ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

ATSDR reports on Standard Mine’s impact on drinking water

Public comments accepted through August 7

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2006

ATLANTA - Contaminants in surface water resulting from the Standard Mine NPL (EPA National Priority List) Site in Gunnison National Forest have no adverse public health effects on nearby Crested Butte’s municipal water supply, says a report released today by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). However, in the unlikely event that the tailings impoundment dam at the mine failed and contaminated water entered the municipal supply, contaminants could adversely affect public health.

The report, called a health consultation, recommends that local, state and federal agencies work together to develop contingency plans or other options to minimize risk to the public associated with possible failure of the tailings impoundment dam. 

ATSDR evaluated environmental sampling data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and information provided by local citizens and agencies to determine whether exposures to site contaminants in surface water could impact public health. The health consultation also addresses health concerns expressed by community members at a February 2006 public meeting.

ATSDR will prepare a second health consultation evaluating potential exposures to recreational users of the site.

The current health consultation is available for public review and comment through Aug. 7, 2006. The health consultation can be viewed online at www.atsdr.cdc.gov [PDF, 852 KB], or at the Crested Butte Library at 507 Maroon Avenue, Crested Butte, Colo.

Comments on the health consultation must be made in writing to:

Records Center, ATSDR
ATTN: Standard Mine NPL Site
1600 Clifton Road, N.E. (MS E-60)
Atlanta, Ga. 30333

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged in to ATSDR's administrative record for the health consultation. Comments received, without the names of individuals who submitted them, and ATSDR's responses to the comments will appear in an appendix to the final health consultation. Names of those who submit comments, however, will be subject to release to requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

For more information, community members can contact one of the ATSDR team members:

• Glenn Tucker, Senior Regional Representative, in Denver at (303) 312-7010
• Chris Poulet, Regional Representative, in Denver at (303) 312-7013
• Jill Dyken, Environmental Health Scientist, in Atlanta, Ga., at 1-888-422-8737

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.

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