HEALTH CONSULTATION
HANFORD NORTH SLOPE AREA
RICHLAND, WASHINGTON
DISCUSSION
It is apparent from frequent vandalism of well-covers that the public currently has occasional access to the area, and it can be assumed that under alternative (1) that this access would continue(10). Under alternative (2), public access to the wildlife refuge would depend on decisions made by yet undetermined managers, but occasional access by visitors may be assumed conservatively. For either wildlife refuge scenario, with occasional public access, the most likely pathways for exposure of the public to on-site contamination would involve intermittent dermal contact with surface soil and surface water(11).
The third alternative, agricultural and residential use would allow more frequent inhalation, and dermal or oral exposure to surface or near surface soil as the land is worked. Under alternative (3) groundwater could be accessed by the public.It is not clear if the proposed characterization would provide surface water and groundwater data.
