Osborn Correctional Institution - Residents of the Rye Hill Circle area near this site in Somers requested that
ATSDR assess their exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) from contaminated groundwater. The exposure
investigation determined the length and level of exposure to PCE-contaminated groundwater.
The exposure investigation determined that residents at the site possibly had been exposed to PCE-contaminated
groundwater for a minimum of 16 years. The bedrock aquifer probably was contaminated when the wells were
installed (circa 1978). Modeling results showed that operations at the Osborn Correctional Institution contami-
nated the northernmost Rye Hill Circle wells above the maximum contaminant level for PCE.
Additional PCE sources could account for the groundwater contamination in the Rye Hill Circle area. An inter-
agency agreement with the Connecticut District Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey to
collect regional hydrogeologic data not previously available proved to be invaluable. The Connecticut Attorney
General's office stated that fears in the community subsided since the results of this investigation were issued.
Educating Health Professionals and Community Activities
Another aspect of the cooperative agreement program includes the support of educational activities for physicians
and other health professionals and communities concerning human exposure to hazardous substances in the environ-
ment. Under the cooperative agreement, the CTDPH has received funding as well as technical assistance for the
development of 112 different educational tools, all of which relate to human health issues associated with toxic
substances in the environment. Among the 17 tools developed during 2002 were "Healthy Homes: Avoiding Chemi-
cals in Your Yard and Garden," "Asbestos Fact Sheet" for Brookfield schools, and "If I Catch It, Can I Eat It?," a
women's guide to eating fish safely. Overall, more than 145,000 items have been distributed. Additionally, more than
3,700 Connecticut residents have attended more than 150 environmental health education seminars, workshops, and
town meetings.
Connecticut conducts a wide range of fish consumption education and risk communication activities focused on
educating consumers of locally caught fish about the dangers of contaminants and safe fish eating practices. Materials
developed through this ongoing program have focused on high-risk populations (pregnant women and children
under 6 years), low-literacy and non-English speaking community groups, a video tailored to Southeast Asian popula-
tions, and a train-the trainer program.
Recognizing the importance of school indoor air quality as a major public environmental health issue, the CTDPH
has provided leadership to develop the Connecticut School Indoor Environmental Resource Team. This is a state-
wide consortium involving fifteen state and federal agencies. Based on EPA's Tools for Schools program, the consor-
tium has conducted more than 70 trainings which led to more than 180 schools adopting the program.
Funding amounts for education are included under Site-Specific Activities.
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
ATSDR supports three occupational and environmental medicine programs in Connecticut through a national
cooperative agreement with the AOEC. These programs focus on the diagnosis and treatment of environmental
related diseases impacting state residents. Areas of specialization include: pesticide poisoning, occupational and
environmental lung disease, indoor air quality problems, multiple chemical sensitivity, and water contamination. The
following are member institutions in the state: Northwest Connecticut Occupational Medical Center, the
University of Connecticut, and Yale University.
Public Health Conference Support
To encourage information sharing, technical discussion, and other training activities related to acute illness and chronic
disease in persons exposed to hazardous substances, ATSDR awards grants to state and local agencies to support
public health conferences.
Previous Page
