The EPA is planning to complete a Remedial Investigation for this site that will define the extent and migration of the groundwater contamination. Since 1992, the DOH and the other agencies provided information to citizens about the contaminants of concern, their location, and the health effects associated with exposure to the chemicals. Through personal interviews, citizens have expressed their concerns and provided input into the health assessment process. Community Concerns During community interviews in 1995, people expressed to DOH a variety of concerns. Their primary health concern is that nearby water supply wells remain safe.
Citizens are also concerned about the eventual use of the site.
Seeing the amounts of money being spent on the site, they fear the investigative process will prevent the site from being restored to productive use and that the community will be left with an untaxable piece of property. Being very practical people, they are skeptical about the amount of money being spent to investigate the contamination. A few residents reported health conditions that they believe may be associated with past exposure to chemicals while working at Penta Wood Products. They reported illnesses that include skin cancer, neurologic problems with muscular pain, and emphysema. Other citizens denied that anyone had health problems from working at the plant.