Will Indian River toxicity study include inland bays?
A reader wants to know how extensively Delaware health officials will test for pollutants in the Indian River area near a Sussex County power plant.
In response to our story from Wednesday, Oct. 19, Delaware to test for cancer-causing toxins near power plant, Michael C. asked: “Are they also going to test the inland bays for toxicity due to the leeching of heavy metals from the coal ash pile on Burton Island?”
The short answer: Maybe, but not right now.
Heidi Truschel-Light, with Delaware Health and Social Services, seemed to indicate that testing related to Burton Island is outside of the scope of the project. “At this time the pilot study will be collecting air samples and biological samples from participants in the Indian River Power Plant Area,” she said. “Future studies may include soil and water samples and analysis.”
Delaware residents can express their interest in specific studies by calling Bill Bowser, chair of the Delaware Cancer Consortium at 302-571-6601, or Delaware’s Division of Public Health at 302-744-1000.
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