Scientists confirm sludge contains arsenic, radium
February 1st, 2009 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
Duke University scientists have confirmed the fears of most residents in the east Tennessee community that fell victim last month to the massive TVA pond coal ash spill that dumped more than a billion gallons of toxic waste on to their property and into nearby rivers. Scientists have concluded that sludge in the area contains high levels of arsenic and elevated levels of radioactive radium – enough to cause harm to humans if the cleanup isn’t done with extreme caution, according to MSNBC/Associated Press.
Exposure to arsenic and radium can have cause serious health issues in humans, including cancer, liver damage and neurological complications.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is overseeing the cleanup, with assistance from the Tennessee Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Efforts costing $1 million a day include vacuuming ash particles from the river and inlets, building temporary dams to hold back the flow, and dusting the area with more than 80 tons of grass seed to keep the ash from flying in the wind, according to the report.
A spokesperson with TDEC told AP that the agencies are working together to ensure the area is appropriately cleaned for the long-term protection of both the community and the environment. She was quoted: “We have stated throughout this process that coal ash does contain small amounts of some contaminants that could be harmful to human health under certain conditions, primarily ingestion and inhalation. From the point TDEC was initially notified of the ash release, the department recognized the potential inhalation hazard presented by the ash and acted to protect local public health.”
Because trace amounts of toxins were found miles downstream, state and federal agencies will continue to monitor the water and air to ensure that drinking water and air quality remains safe.