ATSDR MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT

Update on Midnite Mine Site Radiological Public Health Assessment

The comment period on the public health assessment has been extended to July 31st

 

ATLANTA – The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry has extended the public comment period for the Midnite Mine public health assessment until July 31, 2007.

For nearly thirty years, the Midnite Mine site, located on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, WA, was an open-pit uranium mine. Future studies later revealed the presence of several contaminants including heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, manganese, uranium, and radiation from decay products of uranium. Currently, the Midnite Mine site is being addressed under EPA’s Superfund program.

In ATSDR’s report, called a public health assessment, which includes ATSDR findings, as well as recommendations, concludes that radiation and radionuclides related to the Midnite Mine site are not expected to cause harmful health effects to those who occasionally visit the mine and nearby areas.

A separate health assessment, scheduled to be released at a later date, will address possible exposure to toxic metals at the location.

The agency used available data in determining whether exposure to radiation and radioactive contaminants in surface soil, sediment and surface water could be a hazard to human health.

 Specific findings include:

• Radionuclides in waste rock, ore, protore and surface soils do not pose a significant health hazard for infrequent visitors.

• Radionuclides in surface water, including Blue Creek, do not pose health hazards for infrequent visitors, but the water should not be used for drinking.

• If land uses at and near the site changes to residential or other more frequent use, exposure to radiation and radionuclides in groundwater may be a health concern.

The assessment is available for public comment and review now through July 31. The public comment period is an opportunity for residents to review and comment on agency findings noted in the assessment. The assessment can be viewed at:

Reardan Memorial Library
120 S Oak
Reardan, WA 99029-M
Phone: (509) 994-9997

Lakeside Community Library
6176 Hwy 291
Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
Phone: (509) 276-3329

Wellpinit Library Station
Spokane Tribal Library
Wellpinit, WA 99040
Phone: (877) 231-5500

Comments on the public health assessment must be made in writing. Mail comments to:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
ATTN:  ATSDR Records Center; Midnite Mine Site
1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Mailstop E-32
Atlanta, Ga.  30333

Comments received during the public comment period will be logged into the ATSDR administrative record. All comments that are received along with 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 in the report. 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 health assessment may contact Health Physicist Michael Brooks at 404-498-0360; Environmental Health Scientist Steve Richardson at 404-0498-0438; Health Communications/Community Involvement Specialist Maria Teran-MacIver at 404-498-1754; Acting Tribal Coordinator Leslie Campbell at 404-498-0473 or Senior Regional Representative Richard Robinson at 206-553-5114.

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.