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Lead, Lead, and More LeadThe Preliminary Test Results (Interim Site Characterization or ISC) of the Humboldt Road Burn Dump (HRBD) are back. Here are some interesting points of new discovery: 1. Early this year citizens informed the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) of a reported battery recycling/dump operation on parcel APN# 030-050-129. This area is located at the Southeast corner of Bruce Road and Humboldt adjacent to the proposed Drake Homes Eastgate Ranch subdivision. It was never identified in previous descriptions of the HRBD and was never tested. DTSC instructed the City of Chico to incorporate this area into the preliminary testing plan. The newest test results reveal lead values to be as high as 8340 ppm, roughly 47 times the accepted value of 174 ppm for California residential standards. Lead and pH were the only tests conducted on this parcel. DTSC is ordering the area fenced. 2. Early this year citizens informed DTSC of reported waste in Area 5 of the HRBD. Area 5 is the parcel selected for the proposed Oak Valley subdivision. Area 5 shares a border with a known hazardous release site. The newest test results confirm contaminated material in Area 5 with lead values as high as 3420 ppm, roughly 19 times the accepted value of 174 ppm for California residential standards. Arsenic, chlorinated pesticides, dioxins and furans, were also found in Area 5. 3. The Butte Environmental Council (BEC) questioned the adequacy of the water testing three years ago as reported in the Environmental Impact Report for the HRBD. The newest test results confirm lead contamination in both sediment and ground water samples. It has also been established that off-site migration of lead is occurring. 4. BEC was made aware of a serious health threat to children by the exposed Drake/Simmons stock pond levee at the corner of Humboldt and Stilson Canyon Road. The levee has the highest known lead concentrations of any testing done at the HRBD at 82,000 ppm (remember, 174 ppm is the acceptable current State standard for residential development). Youngsters play on the levee and have even had classroom picnics on it! It will now be fenced after a request to DTSC by BEC. Along with other constituents, lead is the confirmed legacy of the Humboldt Road Burn Dump. Children don't vote, and it is up to adult citizens to care for their well being. For some of us, it extends beyond our own children. For most of us, it is clear that many toxins are especially harmful to children and these toxins, lead for instance, cannot and should not be ignored. For more information on lead and its effect on children please visit the CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website at www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lead.htm and talk to your pediatrician or your local Health Department.
Or call, write or email: This column originally appeared in August 2000 in the Chico Examiner. |
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