Plan calls for ongoing contamination studies

Residents ask for documented risks

TURNBULL

To See the Report The Endicott Public Health Response Plan draft report, designed to prioritize and evaluate the public health impact of environmental contamination, is available online at www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/gas/soilgas.htm The Web site has a link to the report and to a comment page and questionnaire. Reports and health studies also can be reviewed at the George F. Johnson Memorial Library and at Endicott village offices. Continuing coverage of the Endicott spills and a forum on the topic are available online at: www.pressconnects.com/special/endicottspill

ENDICOTT -- Village residents got their first look Wednesday at a multi-pronged battle plan proposed by federal, state and county agencies to document the health risks posed by chemical contamination in Endicott.

While government agencies focus on the Public Health Response Plan, officials also are looking for residents and health and environmental agencies to help lead the studies and serve as community resources.

The battle plan calls for a series of ongoing studies of air, soil and water chemical contamination as well as health studies on childhood and adult cancers and abnormal births.

A new health study also is planned to investigate leukemia incidence among workers at the former Endicott Johnson Corp. boot and shoe manufacturing operation.

Wednesday's afternoon and evening informational meetings were sponsored by the state and Broome County health departments and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. About two dozen residents went to the afternoon meeting at Union Presbyterian Church.

Health officials also were quick to point out the planned studies could be expanded. That may include prompting additional investigations in the future.

David Calleia of Deposit, who owns rental property in the affected area in downtown Endicott, said he is satisfied with the studies.

"I think they're doing all they can," he said.

But Leonard Jackowski of Chestnut Street said he remains worried about the health threat of even low levels of chemical contamination that have been found in drinking water.

Jackowski lived for years on Adams Avenue, in the contaminated area, and later on Cleveland Avenue, just outside the identified area.

"The proof will be in the pudding," he said of the health studies.

Alan Turnbull, who did not attend the afternoon informational session, said his organization, Residents Action Group of Endicott, would be willing to join a planning group to help guide the ongoing health and contamination studies.

But Turnbull also questioned who would select group members and what credentials would be needed to serve.

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