On April 19, 2007, on the recommendation of the Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Department closed Swann Park in South Baltimore. Test results indicated elevated levels of arsenic in the soil at the park. Updates to this developing situation will be posted on this site.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Meeting Announcement

There will be a community meeting on Monday, May 21, at 7 pm at Digital Harbor High School.

At the meeting, city officials and a technical consultant will review plans for the environmental improvement of the Race Street facility site. They will also review the initial plans for Swann Park.

The meeting will not include new information on the health risks of the park. The evaluation from the federal agency is expected in early June.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Updates

Health Assessment

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry expects to complete its initial health assessment by early June. The agency will provide a specific date of release, and the Health Department will schedule an opportunity for the community to meet with ATSDR and discuss the findings and recommendations.

Email address

The Health Department has set up an email address, swannpark@baltimorecity.gov , for general questions related to the Swann Park situation. We will post questions and answers that have general applicability on this site. (Specific medical questions should be directed to your physician.)

Monday, May 7, 2007

Swann Park Task Force Announced

Mayor Dixon and Health Commissioner Sharfstein are announcing the formation of the Swann Park Task Force, which will investigate and report to the Mayor on why arsenic contamination in Swann Park is only coming to public attention now and what steps should be taken to avoid such situations in the future. [Press Release] [More Information on the Swann Park closure]

Contact information

http://www.baltimorehealth.org (410) 396 - 4398