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Perchlorate in Eastern Oregon
EPA Region 10 is working with a number of state, local and federal stakeholders to learn more about the presence of perchlorate in the local environment. We want to assess the potential for health concerns, since perchlorate can inhibit the uptake of iodide by the thyroid. Prolonged exposure to perchlorate may lead to hypothyroidism which impact growth and development in the fetus, infant and child as well as metabolism in all people.
In August 2008, EPA will collect pasteurized milk samples from grocery stores in eastern Oregon. Results from the data collection and analysis will be available early next year. EPA will follow this detailed sampling and quality assurance plan in order to make sure that this sampling effort provides sound information to EPA.
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The milk sampling project will add to our knowledge about total dietary exposure to perchlorate. In 2006, watermelons were sampled at several locations in northern Morrow and northwestern Umatilla Counties. This EPA Fact Sheet discusses the watermelon sampling data.
In fall 2003, groundwater testing found perchlorate in over half of the 133 wells sampled in the lower Umatilla basin. Similar results were found in follow-up well testing in 2004 and 2005. Perchlorate readily dissolves in water and can easily infiltrate into soil and ground water.
Perchlorate is a manufactured salt that is found in rocket fuels, explosives, flares, fireworks, some bleach products, and some herbicides. It also occurs naturally in arid environments and has been found in natural fertilizers imported from Chile.
Documents and Fact Sheets
Additonal Information
Contacts
For additional information:
Sylvia Kawabata (kawabata.sylvia@epa.gov), EPA Unit Manager 206-553-1078 (1-800-424-4372)
Brandon Perkins (perkins.brandon@epa.gov), EPA Site Assessment Manager, 206-553-6396,
Judy Smith (smith.judy@epa.gov), Community Outreach, 503-326-6994
Other agency contacts:
Sheila Monroe (monroe.sheila@deq.state.or.use), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 541-298-7255 Ext 29,
Julie Early (Julie.Early-ALBERTS@state.or.us), Oregon Public Health Division, 971-673-1210
Chirs Kirby (ckirby@oda.state.or.us), Oregon Department of Agriculture, 503-986-4638
Phil Hamm (philip.b.hamm@oregonstate.edu), OSU HAREC, 541-567-8321
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Point of contact: Judy Smith
E-Mail: smith.judy@epa.gov
Phone Number: (503) 326-6994
Last Updated: 08/18/2008
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