Agency will investigate Atlantic Station site

In November 2001, attorney Marie Harkins asked the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a division of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to investigate the Atlantic Station construction site. Harkins’ client, Ron Sack, a construction worker at the site, claimed to have drilled into a barrel containing a fluorescent green liquid that burned his nose.

On May 17, the agency sent Harkins a letter saying they are going ahead with a public health assessment of the site and surrounding area.

“We have found documentation regarding potential releases of hazardous substances from the former Trichemical and Atlantic Steel facilities, as described in your letter,” the agency’s letter says. “Because of the community health concerns about the site and the nearby residential area, ATSDR will prepare a public health consultation that evaluates the possible health implications of exposures to residential areas near the site.”

The letter also states the agency will look into how Atlantic Station developers are cleaning up the site.

The health assessment will be completed before the end of the year.??