ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

ATSDR Evaluates Potential Exposures to Environmental Contaminants at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery

For Immediate Release: September 28, 2006

Agency Releases Report for Public Review, Comment

ATLANTA –a report released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) says residents living near and around the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) in Kittery, Maine may have been or are currently being exposed to environmental contaminants at levels not likely to cause health effects. The report, called a public health assessment will be available for public review and comment through October 30, 2006.

In its findings, the agency identified three potential scenarios where community members may have been exposed to base-related environmental contaminants in the past, present and future. The assessment evaluated whether that exposure could cause illness. The results of the evaluation show that the exposure scenarios are unlikely to cause harmful health effects for community members; which, include:

1. Possible exposure to contaminants for people who eat fish and shellfish. Lobster tomalley and mussels contain potentially harmful levels of metals and PCBs. People who follow the current statewide lobster tomalley consumption advisory and shell fishing restrictions for the Piscataqua River are best protecting themselves against unwanted exposure to contaminants that might be present in lobsters or mussels caught near PNS.
2. Possible exposure to contaminants in open water of the Piscataqua River near PNS. PNS contaminants have impacted the water quality and sediment of Piscataqua River. The portion of the river near PNS is not used for drinking water or swimming. The concentration of contaminants is low in accessible areas, and the type of contact made through likely activities results in exposures below levels known to cause harmful health effects.
3. Lead exposures in PNS housing. Lead-based paint was used in PNS residences prior to1978. Children living at the shipyard are tested for lead exposure starting at their 6-month baby checkup and followed or treated as needed. Homes are being abated as occupants move out, and residents are advised of temporary measures to reduce lead hazards.

Through October 30th, the public is invited to review and comment on agency findings or proposed activities noted in the public health assessment. Residents can review the public health assessment at

Kittery Town Hall
200 Rogers Road,
Kittery, ME 03904

Portsmouth Public Library
Ext. 8 Islington Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Comments must be made in writing and received by October 30, 2006. Mail comments to:

Carole Hossom, CDC/ATSDR
1600 Clifton Road, N.E. (MS-32)
Atlanta, Ga. 30333

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged into the ATSDR administrative record. All comments and ATSDR responses will appear in an appendix to the final version of the report. The names of individuals and groups who submit comments will not appear. However, the names will be subject to release for requests made under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

Members of the community who have questions about this public health assessment or ATSDR activities at the PNS Kittery site may contact Senior Environmental Health Scientist Carole Hossom toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

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 NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700.