With Summer’s Arrival, Rhode Islanders Reminded About Woonasquatucket River "Do's and Dont's"

(Boston, Massachusetts - June 15, 2011) - As the school year ends, and warm summer temperatures begin to tempt area youth to find a place to swim, E.P.A. reminds the public to use the Woonasquatucket River responsibly. Specifically, residents of North Providence, Johnston, and Providence should keep in mind that contamination in and along the river may pose a health risk.

E.P.A. asks that people keep in mind the following Do's & Don'ts for the Woonasquatucket River:
- Don't eat fish, turtles, eels, other wildlife or plants from the Woonasquatucket River;
- Don't wade in the shallow water or swim in the river;
- Don't dig into the river banks; and,
- Do obey the warning signs posted along the river.

With summer weather finally here, the Woonasquatucket River is an appealing spot for children. While E.P.A. continues to make progress in cleaning up dioxin contaminated areas, parents, teachers, and camp counselors should remain vigilant to ensure that children are protected from dioxin and other contaminants remaining in the water or sediment. Walking, running, or bike riding along the river, and paddling a canoe or kayak on the river are ways to safely enjoy the river. However, people should wash thoroughly after any contact with the river water or sediment.

In its outline April 2010 Feasibility Study, E.P.A. has evaluated potential cleanup alternatives for addressing contamination in Allendale and Lyman Mill Ponds and expects to present a suggested cleanup approach to the public for review this coming fall. The outline Feasibility Study also includes human health and ecological risk assessments. The outline study can be reviewed at the North Providence and Johnston public libraries.

More information on the Woonasquatucket River and Centredale Manor cleanup http://www.epa.gov/region1/superfund/sites/centredale

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