Media Release

For Immediate Release:
Date: September 20, 2003
Contact: Robert J. Marshall, PhD 222-1017 (cell 623-0405)

Odors Fluctuate at Conimicut Point 
State Officials Step Up Air Quality Monitoring and Reporting

Providence, RI State officials from the RI Department of Health (HEALTH), RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Governor’s Office met at noon today to discuss results from the most recent tests of air quality at Conimicut Point (Warwick, RI).

To recap, the stationary air monitor located near the water wall at Conimicut found hydrogen sulfide at 90 parts per billion (90ppb) or greater over a three hour period Thursday morning, September 18. During a six-hour period on Thursday evening, levels fluctuated from close to 30 ppb to over 90 ppb. These findings exceed the levels (30ppb) at which federal guidelines recommend avoiding long-term exposure. As a result, HEALTH issued a revised advisory on Friday that area residents with chronic respiratory conditions (such as asthma or emphysema) contact their personal health care provider for advice, make sure to take their medication and leave the area, if possible, when the smell or symptoms worsen. The City of Warwick mailed the advisory to Conimicut residents.

The new results, from Friday and Saturday morning show a much-improved situation. DEM reports levels near 30ppb during the day on Friday, with occasional peaks at 90 ppb or higher, but lasting no longer than 15 minutes each. Tests from Friday evening and Saturday morning registered 0-3 ppb or "trace levels" of hydrogen sulfide. State officials reported detecting a "faint" odor at two locations during a Saturday morning site visit. DEM also conducted a neighborhood monitoring this morning using portable equipment at various locations and reported that no hydrogen sulfide was detected.

DEM plans to add a second, stationery air-monitoring device in the area by Monday and to continue the neighborhood monitoring through the weekend. HEALTH is checking local physician offices, emergency rooms and urgent care centers for increases in respiratory complaints related to the odors at Conimicut. State officials will also keep the public and local officials informed of new developments.

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 afterhours/weekends at 222-3070). For questions about general health concerns over the weekend, contact the Family Health Information line at 800-942-7434. Callers may leave their name, number and a recorded message. HEALTH information staff will return the calls during Saturday and Sunday.