Also open is a large excavation in the south central part of the site from which underground tanks and contaminated soil were removed. Most of the excavated soil apparently remains on site for treatment. An estimated 1,000 people live within a one-mile radius of the site. The area is experiencing rapid residential development as old farms are converted to residential subdivisions. A new subdivision of approximately 30 homes is under construction less than one mile northeast of the site.
Land use is a mix of residential, recreational, agricultural, and industrial enterprises.
By using state health data bases, special studies, or other relevant health outcome data bases, it may be possible to determine whether certain health effects are higher than expected in areas surrounding hazardous waste sites. This section introduces these data bases and discusses their limitations. An evaluation of the usefulness of these health data as they relate to the Foote Mineral site is presented in the Public Health Implications section. The Pennsylvania Cancer Registry has collected cancer data for all areas of Pennsylvania since 1984. Field representatives interact with local hospitals to audit the accuracy of all reporting.