The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has determined that low levels of volatile organic chemical (VOC) contaminants in the indoor air of a Grand Traverse County elementary school pose no apparent public health hazard to visitors, school staff, or children who attend the school.

The Norris Elementary School is located in Greilickville, about 1.5 miles north of the city limits of Traverse City.

MDCH based its determination on indoor air sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Levels of VOC contaminants detected in the indoor air inside the Norris Elementary School were far below protective health-based screening values. Somewhat higher levels of contaminants found in soil gas under the foundation of the school do not appear to be entering the school building.

The source of the VOC contaminants under the Norris Elementary School is the Grand Traverse Overall Supply (GTOS) site, which is located immediately to the northwest of the school building. Contaminated groundwater is moving southeast from the GTOS site and under a portion of the school building.

MDCH recommends additional indoor air monitoring at the school until the source of VOC contaminants on the GTOS site is fully investigated and measures to intercept the contamination before it reaches the school are implemented.

MDCH has released a Public Health Consultation for the Norris Elementary School. The consultation was developed in cooperation with the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The Public Health Consultation “Norris Elementary School Indoor Air Assessment” is available on the MDCH web page, or by calling the MDCH toll free at 1-800-648-6942.

MDCH invites the public to review the Consultation and offer written comments. Copies of the Consultation are also available for public review at the Traverse Area District Library, 22 Sixth Street, Traverse City.

Requests for additional information and comments should be addressed to:

Dr. Linda D. Dykema
Michigan Department of Community Health
Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
3423 North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
P.O. Box 30195
Lansing Michigan 48909

You may also call the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-648-6942 (1-800-MI-TOXIC). Comments on the Public Health Consultation must be received by September 19, 2005.