Soil passes state toxicology
testing; residents skeptical

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Some Village Park and West Loch Fairways residents remain skeptical of a consultant's report showing few samples of dangerous chemicals in their soil.

Brian Magee, senior toxicologist, said the state Department of Health-commissioned investigation could not determine if physical and learning disabilities in area children could be caused by soil contamination from agricultural or military activities.

About 75 residents were told last night about the draft report by Ogden Environmental and Energy Services at Kaleiopuu Elementary School.

Magee said chemicals most likely to cause learning disabilities -- lead, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl, once used in insulation and paints -- are not at sufficient levels to cause such woes.

"These chemicals in these percents would not and cannot cause learning disorders," Magee said. "Arsenic and dioxin were detected, but the dosages are not higher than typical United States doses."

Bob Achi suspected a chemical called chromium 6 might be present. Chromium 6 has been suspected in causing health complications at Village Park.

But Magee said chromium is not used in agriculture. "The facts are the facts," he said. "It's not an agricultural chemical."

"We've got a sick community here. We want to know what is causing these ailments. The doctors have ruled it's not genetics," Achi said. "Who the hell are we to believe?"

Soil samples were taken from yards of private residences and other locations in common areas, such as community parks and Kaleiopuu Elementary School.

Gary Gill, deputy director of health for environment, said the Health Department is available to assist homeowners whose samples showed the highest arsenic levels to review possible arsenic sources and measures to be taken to minimize exposures.

"What we've found is that there's no areawide contamination," Gill said.

The draft will go into final form for submission to the Legislature in about two weeks, Gill said. The Legislature appropriated $220,000 earlier this year for the study because of health concerns raised in affected communities.