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Fact Sheet
November 2005
EPA and MDNR to Hold Public Availability Meeting, Washington County Lead District – Richwoods Area Site, Washington County, Missouri
INTRODUCTION
EPA Region 7 and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) are hosting a public availability meeting on November 30, 2005, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., to discuss the Washington County Lead District – Richwoods Area Superfund Site in Washington County, Missouri.
The agencies recently completed an investigation of Washington County lead and barite mining areas. During the meeting, representatives from EPA, MDNR and federal and state health agencies will discuss investigation findings and provide information about future actions in Washington County. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. Prior to and following the formal presentation, agency representatives will be on hand to answer questions one-on-one from community members.
EPA, MDNR and the health agencies hosted previous public meetings on October 17 in Cadet and on October 18 in Potosi to share information about the completed investigation. The content and format for the November 30th meeting will be the same. The agencies decided to host a third meeting for the convenience of the Richwoods-area community.
Public Availability Meeting
You are invited to attend a public availability meeting about the Washington County Lead District – Richwoods Area Site.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Richwoods R-VII Elementary School
Cafeteria/Multipurpose Room
10788 State Hwy A
Richwoods, Missouri
Questions about the meeting should be directed to:
Dianna Whitaker
Office of External Programs
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kan. 66101
Phone: 913-551-7003
whitaker.dianna@epa.gov
BLOOD LEAD TESTING
The only way to know if your child has elevated blood lead levels is to have his or her blood tested. FREE blood lead testing will be available at the meetings. These will be finger-stick tests. You will know the results of the test the same evening.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Children are more sensitive to lead than adults and can develop lifelong learning disabilities or behavioral problems because of lead exposure. In addition, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid exposure to lead to protect their children. Health effects in children include:
- Slowed physical growth;
- Hearing problems;
- Nervous system damage;
- Learning difficulties;
- Behavior problems including hyperactivity (easily excitable or upset, unable to concentrate, short attention span); and
- Decreased intelligence (I.Q.) scores.
Lead exposure and its effects can be reduced by:
- Washing hands after playing outside and before meals;
- Vacuuming often and dusting with a damp cloth to help remove dust that might have lead in it; and
- Eating a diet high in calcium and iron and low in fat.
EPA encourages parents to have their children tested for lead exposure. Blood lead testing will be available at the public meeting on November 30. You can also contact your private physician or the Washington County Health Department for a blood test.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Dianna Whitaker
Community Involvement Coordinator
EPA Region 7
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
913-551-7003, Toll-free 1-800-223-0425
E-mail: whitaker.dianna@epa.gov
