The Michigan Department of Community Health has released a final Public Health Consultation for the former Elk Rapids Sportsman's Club. MDCH finds the site poses a public health hazard in its current condition and recommends provisions to protect public health including lead inspections in all site buildings and actions to address lead contamination in soil.

The Elk Rapids Sportsman's Club site was used as a small arms firing range for pistols, shotguns and rifles for more than 70 years. After the shooting range closed in 2006, Elk Rapids Township proposed plans to develop the site into a public park.

In response to a Nov. 13, 2007 Public Comment Draft Health Consultation, MDCH received comments from the Elk Rapids Township supervisor indicating the township's intent to meet MDCH's recommendations.

The township's comments and MDCH's responses can be found in Attachment A of the final Health Consultation entitled "Former Elk Rapids Sportsman's Club, Elk Rapids, Antrim County, Michigan" available on the MDCH web page at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics, or by calling the MDCH toll free at 1-800-648-6942.

For additional information about this Public Health Consultation, please contact Dr. Linda D. Dykema, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Environmental Health, toll-free at 1-800-648-6942 (1-800-MI TOXIC) or by e-mail at dykemal@michigan.gov.