Health Consultation: Tallevast Ambient Air and Soil Gas. Former American Beryllium Company Tallevast, Manatee County, Florida. EPA Facility: FLD004100731

摘要

This document summarizes the Florida Department of Healths and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's assessment of the public health risk during permanent water line installation along two Tallevast streets near the former American Beryllium site. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) evaluates site-related public health issues through the following processes: Evaluating exposure: Florida DOH scientists begin by reviewing available information about environmental conditions at the site. The first task is to find out how much contamination is present, where it is, and how human exposures might occur. Usually, the Florida DOH does not collect its own environmental sampling data. Manatee County, Utilities Maintenance Division provided the information for this health consultation. Evaluating health effects: If we find evidence that exposures to hazardous substances are occurring or might occur, Florida DOH scientists will determine whether that exposure could be harmful to human health. We focus this report on public health; that is, the health impact on the community as a whole, and base it on existing scientific information. Developing recommendations: In this evaluation report, the Florida DOH outlines its conclusions regarding any potential health threat posed by permanent water line installation, and offers recommendations for reducing or eliminating human exposure to contaminants. The role of the Florida DOH in dealing with hazardous waste sites is primarily advisory. For that reason, the evaluation report will typically recommend actions for other agencies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida DEP. If, however, an immediate health threat exists or is imminent, the Florida DOH will issue a public health advisory warning people of the danger, and will work to resolve the problem. Soliciting community input: The evaluation process is interactive. The Florida DOH starts by soliciting and evaluating information from various government agencies, individuals or organizations responsible for cleaning up the site, and those living in communities near the site. We share any conclusions about the site with the groups and organizations providing the information. Once we prepare an evaluation report, the Florida DOH seeks feedback from the public.