Toms River NJ

[MARK WINSLOW <WINSLOW.MARK@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV>]

There seems to be some misinformation out there concerning the Toms River drinking water "data".  I have
reviewed the "study" and wish to clarify some of this.  The "study" was conducted by a member of the
department of health (no rad xp.), a school science teacher, and students.  The department of health people
did not inform NJDEP (NJ rad people) until after the governor released the "data".  

The "data" released was a preliminary gross alpha count.  The highest drinking water reading was a gross
count of 12 pCi/L.  This is BELOW EPA gross alpha limits.  The average at drinking water locations were
around 5 pCi/L.  Those samples which were above the "further study" limit are currently being analyzed for
Ra.  However this data will not be available until mid May.

The readings which were considered high (18, 26, and 29 pCi/L) were taken at  well heads and not at the
point of consumption.  This is not how EPA states water tests should be conducted.  An interesting data point
is one in which a lower reading is found at the well head than the point of consumption?

Clearly the whole NJ Toms River drinking water "study" was not real science.   The NJ health people should
have consulted the experienced rad people.  Also NJDEP calculations using conservative assumptions
calculated that 0.7 deaths might occur from the water.  This does not explain the 50 + deaths from cancer in
the area.

Mark P. Winslow
US EPA Region II

Any opinions stated or assumed stated in the above information are mine and does in no way represent those
of the EPA.  The EPA has nighter reviewed or seen the statement I have provided.