PRO Atsdr AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY ATSDR, NJ DHSS, and EPA to Hold Information Session Regarding Chromium Ground Water Contamination in Garfield Community Notice May 2010 Public Information Session: When: May 20 2010 What Time: 7-9pm Where: Garfield City Hall Address: 111 Outwater Lane, Garfiel NJ QUESTIONS? Please Contact ATSDR Region 2 Senior Regional Representative Leah Graziario 732-906-6932 Ige2@cdc.gov NJ DHSS Coordinator Glenri Pulliam 609-826-4973, glenn. pulliam@doh. state, nj. us EPA Community Involvement Coordinator: Melissa Dimas 212-637-3677 dimas.melissa@epa.gov EPA On-Scene Coordinator: Joseph Coseritino 732-906-6983 cosentirio.ioseph@epa.aov Visit the ATSDR Web site www.atsdr.cdc.gov Visit the NJ DHSS web site: http ://www. state .nj.us/health/ Visit EPA's Garfield web page: www.epa.gov/regiori02/superfurid/ removal/garfield/ In the fall of 2008, and at the request of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began its investigation of potential chromium contaminated ground water in the City of Garfield, New Jersey. Initial surveys of homes and businesses were done to determine which had basements, water infiltration problems, or sump pumps so that samples could be taken. Samples were taken from over 250 properties generating over 5000 samples. EPA, in coordination with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJ DHSS) evaluated the samples taken from properties within Garfield and the health risks associated with hexavalent chromium contamination. At a community information session on May 20, from 7-9pm in the Gar- field City Hall. ATSDR and NJ DHSS and will discuss the findings of their health consultation. EPA will discuss the next steps in addressing the chromium contamination in the properties and the ground water within the identified area. HISTORY/BACKGROUND INFO: Historically in Garfield, industrial facilities were located in close proximity to residential areas. These facilities in- cluded a tannery and chemical plant, and two electroplat- ing companies. Some of these facilities used chromium in their processes, and it is suspected the ground water in the surrounding areas has become contaminated with chromium. www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/removal/garfield ------- ------- ------- |