ROYAL OAKS COMMUNITY
EDGEWATER, VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA
EPA ID No. FLN000407257
October 5, 2004
Prepared by:
Bureau of Community Environmental Health
Florida Department of Health
Under Cooperative Agreement With
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This document summarizes public health concerns at a former excavation pit that was filled with debris and converted to a residential community in Florida. The following steps are necessary to perform a public health assessment-
Evaluate exposure: First, Florida Department of Health (DOH) scientists review available information about environmental conditions at the site. Their first task is to find out how much contamination is present, where it is found on the site, and how people might be exposed to it. Usually, Florida DOH does not collect environmental sampling data. Florida DOH relies on information provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other government agencies, businesses, and the public.
Evaluate health effects: If evidence exists that people are exposed or could be exposed to hazardous substances, Florida DOH scientists will determine whether that exposure could be harmful to human health. The report focuses on the health impact on the community as a whole and is based on existing scientific information.
Develop recommendations: In the evaluation report, Florida DOH outlines its conclusions regarding any potential health threat posed by a site and offers recommendations for reducing or eliminating human exposure to contaminants. The role of Florida DOH in dealing with hazardous waste sites is primarily advisory. For that reason, the evaluation report will typically recommend actions to be taken by other agencies, including the EPA and Florida DEP. However, if an immediate health threat exists, Florida DOH will issue a public health advisory to warn people of the danger and will work to resolve the problem.
Solicit community input: The evaluation process is interactive. Florida DOH solicits and evaluates information from various government agencies, the organizations responsible for cleaning up the site, and the community surrounding the site. Any conclusions about the site are shared with the groups and organizations that provided the information. Once an evaluation report has been prepared, Florida DOH seeks feedback from the public.
If you have questions or comments about this report, we encourage you to contact us.
Please write to: Health Education Program Manager
Health Assessment Team
Bureau of Community Environmental Health
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # A-08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1712
Or call us at: (850) 245-4299 or toll-free during business hours at 1-(877) 798-8473
