(Lenexa, Kan., May 23, 2014) - Radiation screening experts from E.P.A. Region seven and Region five have completed the radiation screening of the Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex (BMAC) in Bridgeton, Mo. The screening began on Monday, May 19.
The E.P.A. screening of the 70-acre park collected data from 60,000 points along 45 miles of transecting lines. 3 field survey teams worked in concert transecting the entire complex. Using global positioning systems and detection instruments, the teams screened for gamma radiation and also collected in excess of 100 soil samples for lab testing for thorium, radium and uranium. Using the coordinates provided by the citizens who conducted sampling using donated equipment several weeks ago, the E.P.A. teams also were able to collect samples from those same locations.
The teams also conducted background reference screening and soil sampling at 2 parks (Blanchette and Koch), which are located about 4 miles from BMAC. These background levels are important because radiation occurs naturally in our environment. The background levels will serve as benchmarks for comparing the radiation levels at BMAC to determine if any readings there would be considered above background level that would be expected in that geographic area.
"The speed and thoroughness with which our experts from E.P.A. Region seven and Region five completed the screening demonstrates this Agency's responsiveness to community concerns," E.P.A. Region seven Administrator Karl Brooks said. "In less than a week, our experts have collected readings at in excess of 60,000 data points while traversing 45 total miles, plus collected in excess of 100 soil samples in order to provide definitive, scientifically valid data about the usability of the facility."
"EPA appreciates the City of Bridgeton's cooperation that enabled the Agency to promptly complete this phase of our scientific work," Brooks said.
The preliminary data from the screening will be subject to rigorous quality-control and quality-assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy and validity of the data. The soil samples will be sent to a qualified lab for analysis. Results of the quality-controlled, quality-assured screening and soil samples should be accessible within 30 to 60 days.
E.P.A. Region seven will make final results of the screening activity accessible to the public, both online at its
website and through social and news media.
"This Agency maintains its position when we started this screening plan that all scientifically validated data known to E.P.A. and the State of Missouri confirm that BMAC remains suitable for use," Brooks said.
"If any further response is necessary, based on what the scientifically validated data tell us," Brooks said, "we are prepared to work with the City to take appropriate action."
