WSP03222

• File Number: 8273.500
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Federal Agencies - EPA
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 7/1/1984
• Title: State-EPA Agreement 1984-85 and 1985-86
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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of livestock and human water supplies. Similarly, the improper disposal
of surplus pesticides and residues containing pesticides may endanger
public health, safety, and the environment. The Health Department
provides technical assistance and laboratory services to the Colorado
Department of Agriculture, local heath departments and others in dealing
with pesticide problems.

Often materials are found to be toxic only after their introduction into
the environment and their widespread use by the public. There are many
transformers and capacitors which contain polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs)
in Colorado. Past PCB management and disposal practices have contaminated
soil and waterways. PCBs have entered the food chain and have been found
in food and milk in Colorado'. The material is a suspected carcinogen and
the levels of concentration at which various environmental impacts occur
is unknown.

Urea formaldehyde has in the past been widely used in foam insulation in
homes and other buildings. Some individuals are particulary sensitive to
formaldehyde and experience severe allergic reactions when exposed to the
substance.

Over the years asbestos has been frequently used in fireproofing and
construction. Asbestos has been found in a number of schools, offices,
and homes. Asbestos, when inhaled, is a known carcinogen and even
short-term exposure can have serious health consequences.

Ethylene dibromide (EDB) is an insecticide which has been used to treat
stored grain and to control mountain pine beetles in Colorado. EDB is a
suspected human carcinogen. It has been found in some food products,
which have been removed from the marketplace. Colorado has implemented
EPA's recommended guideline levels and has imposed more stringent
requirements on some products.

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Sodium cyanide is commonly used in Colorado by the mining industry to
extract gold and silver from ore. Other uses include: case hardening of
steel; cleaning metals; electroplating; and the manufacturing of various
chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, Vitamins, insecticides and dyes.
Sodium cyanide, an extremely toxic poison, is quickly fatal if ingested.
Poisoning may also occur by inhaling cyanide dust or mist or absorption of
cyanide in solution through the skin.

These and other toxic materials require safe handling, transportation,
treatment, storage and disposal. It is the role of the Health Department
and EPA to provide support and technical assistance to other State
agencies, local health departments, and others in dealing with these
problems.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIES IN COLORADO

1. Colorado Department of Health

The Colorado Department of Health (CDH) is charged with protecting the
health and the environment and providing health care services to the
citizens of Colorado.

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