MORE IN NEWS News Feature: Southern culture on the skids Enviros, scientists and regulators jab at its every move, but Southern Co. says it's doing all the right things Fishwrapper: Sympathy for the devilish W And apologies to Mick J. and Keith R. An unlikely antidote Majette looking at one big McKinney windmill The end of an era at the AJC? Many news-starved readers and disgruntled staffers certainly hope so Court seizes mother's home Hometown boy to sleuth Enron case Stealth arts initiative picks up steam Public Agenda MORE BY MICHAEL WALL Was Atlantic Station worker radiated? Attorney requests radiation survey at construction site  [05.15.02] Mercury blamed for autism Georgia Power, drug companies targeted by families  [05.08.02] Heavy rains make Hooch a health risk  [05.08.02] Use this address for linking.

Agency will investigate Atlantic Station site
 

BY MICHAEL WALL

In November 2001, attorney Marie Harkins asked the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a division of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to investigate the Atlantic Station construction site. Harkins' client, Ron Sack, a construction worker at the site, claimed to have drilled into a barrel containing a fluorescent green liquid that burned his nose.

On May 17, the agency sent Harkins a letter saying they are going ahead with a public health assessment of the site and surrounding area.

"We have found documentation regarding potential releases of hazardous substances from the former Trichemical and Atlantic Steel facilities, as described in your letter," the agency's letter says. "Because of the community health concerns about the site and the nearby residential area, ATSDR will prepare a public health consultation that evaluates the possible health implications of exposures to residential areas near the site."

The letter also states the agency will look into how Atlantic Station developers are cleaning up the site.

The health assessment will be completed before the end of the year.

05.29.02