Is anyone investigating the health risks in the Sumas Valley?
The Washington Department of Health’s study found there is no evidence of elevated asbestos-related disease rates (mesothelioma and lung cancer) in the community near Swift Creek (including a part of the community along the Sumas River), compared to Whatcom County or the state of Washington as a whole. However, as noted above, although no elevated disease rates were found in this community, minimizing exposure to asbestos is still important. To better understand the levels of asbestos and metals in the Sumas River, EPA tested sediment, soil, and water between Everson and the Canada border in May 2009. Elevated levels of asbestos and some metals have been found. The agencies are notifying landowners and surface water users about this situation and the health advisory is being updated to reflect this new information. EPA‘s activity based study in Swift Creek EPA conducted an activity-based study of the sediment piles next to Swift Creek, reporting the results in 2008. EPA field staff in
