Here is the text of the information sheet released by the District
Department of the Environment and the Mayor on the situation at Fort Reno:

"INCIDENT OVERVIEW

On May 14th, the National Park Service issued a release stating that
arsenic concentrations had been discovered at Fort Reno park and that
the park would be closed until further testing was conducted. Upon
this release, the District Department of the Environment was
designated as the lead agency in coordinating the District's response.
Mayor Adrian Fenty held a press conference at the scene on May 14th in
order to inform residents of the District's planned efforts.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE RESPONSE?

District Department of the Environment: Lead agency in the District's
response.
National Park Service: Oversees Fort Reno park.
US EPA: Conducting further soil sample analysis.
US Army Corps of Engineers: Providing support.
District Fire/EMS and Police Departments: First-responders.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency: First-responders.
Department of Health: Advising as to any potential adverse health impacts.
District of Columbia Public Schools: Determining any potential impact
on Wilson High School and Deal Junior High School, which are adjacent
to Fort Reno.

WHAT'S HAPPENED SO FAR:

The USGS previously conducted satellite imagery in order to illustrate
the geographic position of arsenic concentrations, which indicated
Fort Reno park as an affected site.
Initial sample testing was conducted by the US Geological Survey
(USGS) using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device. The testing
preliminarily revealed levels of arsenic above EPA's recommended
action levels (which, depending upon future use of the property could
range from .4 to 40 parts per million in soil).
In response, the National Park Service has erected snow fencing around
the site in order to prevent any potential exposure until further
testing is complete.

WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW:

Fort Reno park will stay closed until testing is complete in 7-10
days. Since Fort Reno park is federal property, EPA Region 3 has
assigned an on-scene coordinator to collect samples for lab analysis.

Residents who have vegetables from the Fort Reno park's gardens are
advised to stop consumption until test results are announced. For
residents who have been consuming these vegetables recently, if
precautionary measures are needed, information will be forthcoming.

DCWASA and the Army Corps regularly test arsenic levels within the
water reservoir under Fort Reno park. As an additional precaution,
they will conduct a test specifically for arsenic in order to verify
their previous results .

Satellite imagery also indicated potential contamination at the track
at Wilson High School.

Since the new Wilson HS track was constructed subsequent to the
satellite imagery, arsenic contamination has either been remediated or
contained and does not pose a threat. However, student access to soil
berms adjacent to the track will be closed off until monitoring is
undertaken.

DDOE will consult with EPA and the National Park Service in order to
determine if testing is needed at additional properties and what, if
any, closures or remediation actions should follow.

INFORMATION ON ARSENIC

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that when present in high
concentrations can produce toxic effects or an increase in cancer
risk. It is most commonly used in pesticides and wood preservation,
although previously identified cases of arsenic in the District were
due to historical military uses. The primary exposure route
associated with arsenic in soil is ingestion. Compared with the
ingestion route, inhalation or dermal exposure pose only marginal
risks when arsenic is found in soil. There is minimal risk from brief
exposure, unless a high quantity of arsenic is directly ingested. The
primary health concern associated with arsenic exposure is cancer.
However, it can produce non-cancer health effects such as
gastrointestinal impacts, headaches, and cardiovascular impacts. (EPA)"

Best regards,

--------------------------
Mary M. Cheh
Councilmember for Ward 3
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 108
Washington, DC 20004

Tel: (202) 724-8062
mcheh@dccouncil.us