ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard, Baltimore, Not a Public Health Hazard

News Release
For Immediate Release: January 12, 2005

ATLANTA - The Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard site in Baltimore does not pose a public health hazard, says a public health assessment released today by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The federal public health agency reported that exposure to contamination in on-site surface soil, surface water and sediment is not at levels that might cause adverse health effects.

Fish and crabs at the site also do not pose a public health hazard if they are consumed consistent with recommendations in fish advisories issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The advisories cover the entire Patapsco River basin, which includes the site.

ATSDR recommends that recreational fishermen follow all MDE fish consumption advisories. For more information about the MDE fish advisories, visit www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/fish/advisory_summary.pdf.

The public health assessment was previously made available to the public for review and comment. The final report is now available for review at the North County Library, 1010 Eastway St., Glen Burnie, MD 21061.

For more information, community members can contact environmental health scientists Katherine E. Hanks or Gary Campbell, toll-free, at 1-888-422-8737. Regional Representative Tom Stukas also may be contacted at 215-814-3142. Callers should refer to the Curtis Bay Coast Guard Yard site in Baltimore.

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.
Established by Congress in 1980 under the Superfund law, ATSDR conducts public health assessments at each of the sites on the EPA National Priorities List, as well as other sites when petitioned.

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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.