THE Department of Public Health has requested three local and federal agencies to conduct further sampling of the CNMI’s groundwater to determine whether it is contaminated with volatile organic compounds like jet fuel.
Dr. Richard Brostrom, medical director for public health, and acting Health Secretary James U. Hofschneider said the department was renewing its interest in safe drinking water. According to Brostrom and Hofschneider, Public Health is not in a position to critically evaluate environmental data related to groundwater or soil.
The task has been referred to the Division of Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Brostrom said Public Health’s major concern relates to the exposure of individuals through aerosolized volatile organic compounds while showering and bathing with heated water.
