HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works May 17 20161
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee
May 17, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Rud Browne, and Ken Mann
Absent: None
Also Present: Barry Buchanan, Carl Weimer, and Todd Donovan
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER GREG STERN, M.D., TO PROVIDE
INFORMATION ON LEAD EXPOSURE, PREVENTION, AND RESPONSE TO
EXPOSURE IN WHATCOM COUNTY (A132016 -017)
Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Officer, referenced the discussion form in the
Council packet and gave a summary of recent concerns about lead in drinking water in other
areas of the State and country. The major concern about lead exposure is cognitive and
neurologic development in children. Sources of lead exposure include old paint, gasoline
additives, and other products. Many of these products have been eliminated from the
market.
Risk factors to exposure are poverty level and living in old housing. He described the
testing procedure for lead in drinking water. In the local area, lead has not been detected
in the public water system. Requirements for lead exposure testing in schools has not yet
been implemented.
Lead exposure can also be tested through blood lead level tests. He described the
local sources of lead exposure.
Dr. Stern and Jeff Hegedus, Health Department, answered questions about the
solution to lead exposure from paint in old houses, disclosure requirements for the sale of
older homes, and exposure through ingestion or heating.
John Wolpers, Health Department, answered questions on lead levels in the drinking
water at the Herald Building and at Western Washington University; the difference between
lead at the drinking water source and lead at the point of use; notification of building
tenants; when older homes are tested for lead levels; recent lead problems in Flint,
Michigan; and lead exposure testing in older schools.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 5/17/2016, Page 1
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:04 p.m.
�Q GO,
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Dana Bf oWfi,= ;, Counal Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Committee Chair
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 5/17/2016, Page 2