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Site Assessment Section

What we do
The Site Assessment Section is a program within the Office of Environmental Health Assessments.  Staff determine public health impacts associated with exposures to toxic substances released into the environment, usually at specific hazardous waste sites, throughout Washington State.

What is a Health Assessment?

Health Assessments

Health Consultations

For Public Comment from April 30 to May 30, 2008 Draft Health Consult

 "Upper Columbia River Site, Lake Roosevelt Non-Tribal Fish Exposure, Northeast, Washington" (versions in Word or pdf)

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has completed a draft Health Consultation for public review and comment: "Upper Columbia River Site, Lake Roosevelt Non-Tribal Fish Exposure, Northeast, Washington" (versions in Word or pdf).  DOH conducted the evaluation to determine if people were being exposed to environmental contaminants, and whether that exposure could cause harmful health effects.  The draft health consultation was prepared to summarize the findings of DOH's evaluation.  The consultation includes several components: 

Residents and citizens can obtain a copy of the report from the following locations:

Take a moment to complete a reader evaluation form and return it to us either by email (doheheha@doh.wa.gov) attachment or US Postal Mail to:

Office of Environmental Health Assessments

P.O. Box 47846

Olympia, WA 98504-7846 

DOH relies on the input from affected communities and involved agencies to effectively address health concerns.  Your knowledge about the site and surrounding community helps to improve the quality of our work and how we communicate with you.  Additional information can be obtained from the press release.

Please share this document with others who may also be concerned about the public health issues outlined in this health consultation.  If you have questions or would like additional information please call toll free1-877-485-7316 ext. 3376.

For additional information visit OEHA's "What's New" page

How we do it
A request or petition for an evaluation of a hazardous waste site comes from local, state and federal agencies or concerned citizen groups.  The evaluation determines if exposure to a hazardous substance is occurring and what the health impact may be.  The evaluation is prepared using the following elements:

1. All existing environmental and health data are reviewed.
2. Community health concerns are collected.
3. A document (a Public Health Assessment or Health Consultation) is prepared to summarize evaluation findings and make recommendations.
4. Staff coordinate activities with the parties involved at the site, while keeping the community and health professionals informed of potential health risks through education and training.
5. The completed evaluation is presented to the interested parties.
6. Depending on the recommendations, staff follow up with the appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure that the public health issues have been addressed.

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Washington State Department of Health 
Division of Environmental Health
Office of Environmental Health Assessments
PO Box 47846 Olympia, Washington, 98504-7846
1.877.485.7316

Send inquiries about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office
Comments or questions regarding this web site? Send mail to the Office of Environmental Health Assessments.