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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DECAYING MATTER THAT HAS CAUSED OFFENSIVE ODORS IN CONIMICUT NEIGHBORHOOD IS REMOVED FROM SHORELINE PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management is overseeing the removal and cleanup of the decaying organic matter that washed up along the shoreline in the Conimicut section of Warwick. The matter - rotting seaweed covered by millions of tiny clamshells - is believed to be the source of the objectionable odors that have plagued the Conimicut neighborhood for the past two weeks.The configuration and shallowness of Conimicut Cove, combined with the northerly winds that have been occurring during the past several weeks, has essentially trapped a large mass of the decaying organic materials lingering off the coastline within the riprap and prevented it from washing out to sea. These unusual circumstances, combined with the public health concerns raised by the lingering odors, prompted DEM to initiate the cleanup action. Under normal conditions, tidal action, wind and waves would allow natural decomposition to occur, without the need for such intervention. This morning, cleanup crews from DEM's emergency response contractor, in concert with the City of Warwick's Department of Public Works, began removing the material from the beach. The greatest concentration of the material was located near the intersection of Shawomet Avenue and Symond Street. The material is being incorporated into compost at the Warwick composting facility. DEM, in coordination with the Department of Health (HEALTH), last week began continuous air quality monitoring at a stationary location near the sea wall in Conimicut to record the levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air. The results fluctuated because of changing wind and tide conditions, and sometimes were at non-detectable levels. However, the results did show that at times hydrogen sulfide exceeded the level of 30 ppb at which federal guidelines recommend avoiding long-term exposure. Occasionally, hydrogen sulfide levels peaked at 90 ppb or higher, but these peaks were generally shortlived, lasting no more than 15 minutes each. In response to the high hydrogen sulfide readings, HEALTH and DEM issued an advisory on Friday listing tips area residents should follow to deal with the situation. The advisory was mailed to residents in the affected Conimicut neighborhood by Warwick Mayor Scott Avedesian's office. Follow-up activities over the weekend involved further air quality monitoring and further assessment of the suspected sources of the odors. This led to Sunday's determination that an area with a concentration of material trapped within the riprap appeared to be a primary source of the odors, and DEM's decision to initiate the cleanup action. DEM will continue to monitor hydrogen sulfide levels in the neighborhood and undertake additional cleanup activity if necessary. DEM will continue to post updates on its website at www.dem.ri.gov by clicking on News, then Conimicut Odors. The public may report any continuing problems, and any suspected sources of those problems, to DEM's Office of Compliance and Inspections at 222-1360 (weekdays) or after hours/weekends at 222-3070). For questions about general health concerns, contact the Family Health Information line at 800-942-7434. After hours, callers may leave their name, number and a recorded message. -30- |
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