Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tar Creek Flood Survey topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lead agency survey finds health and housing risks in floodplain; seeks indoor-air review of Tar Creek cleanup
Summary
Rebecca, a lead-agency representative, told the Miami City Council on Sept. 16 that a household survey of more than 400 properties in and near the floodplain found widespread health and housing vulnerabilities, including houses built before 1978 (raising lead-paint risk), evidence of mine tailings in some foundations, and indoor floor-duct systems that may allow contaminated dust into living spaces.
Rebecca, a representative of the lead agency, reported the results of a multi-year household survey of flood-affected neighborhoods and described next steps to test indoor dust and ductwork for mine-related contaminants.
The survey contacted more than 400 households, focusing on residents in the 100-year floodplain and nearby neighborhoods such as Eastgate and Grand Lake Shores. Rebecca said the team collected demographic information, housing age, and health conditions; many homes surveyed were built before 1978, raising lead-paint risk. She also said the team found evidence that some houses have mine tailings (chat) in foundations and floor duct systems that could allow contaminated dust into indoor air.
The lead agency reported several findings that concern public health and flood resilience: many households do not carry flood insurance because of cost; a large share of respondents reported psychological impacts from repeated floods; and 89% of surveyed residents opposed the Grand River Dam Authority decision to raise the Grand Lake water level. The survey documented how long households were evacuated in past floods and residents’ stated preferences about buyouts: some are “ready for a buyout,” some want more information, and others said they will stay in place regardless.
Rebecca described an immediate follow-up plan to test indoor environments. Over the next two weeks the agency will seek 30 households (three in each of 10 neighborhoods) willing to allow vacuum-dust samples, wipedust samples from window sills, and camera inspection of floor ductwork; the agency will analyze those samples to determine if indoor dust and duct conditions present contamination risks. The presenter said the effort is intended to identify whether indoor heating and air systems that have floor ducts are deteriorated by chat and sulfur-related corrosion and whether that contributes to occupant exposure.
The lead agency also said it will ask the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reopen the Superfund site record of decision so indoor-air exposures — not just outdoor play areas and yards — can be addressed. Rebecca contrasted the current record of decision, which she said limited EPA action to outdoor soils and child-play areas, with the agency’s view that indoor ductwork and indoor dust should be considered as part of a comprehensive cleanup.
The presentation included resource information: Ottawa County offers free yard lead testing and, if lead is found, free yard remediation. The lead agency noted it has collected oral-history interest from residents (146 people said they wanted to tell their stories) and invited council members and the public to a Tar Creek conference in October.
Council members and staff asked follow-up questions; Rebecca named Paul Marcus and Stephanie Addis as local partners who supported door-to-door survey work. No formal council action or vote followed the presentation; the report was informational and the lead agency said it will return with testing results and any recommended next steps.
