One year later: environmental health forum to address post-flood mold
The community is invited to a public forum June 20 to inform Mouse River Basin residents of the area's environmental health one year after the 2011 Mouse River Flood. The forum begins at 6:30 p.m. in Cyril Moore Hall's Hoffman Auditorium on the Minot State University campus. It is sponsored by MSU's Great Plains Center for Community Research and Service and the First District Health Unit.
A panel of experts will address concerns regarding mold and its effect on health, houses that have not been sanitized, the effect of the flood on trees and concerns regarding soil and water quality.
"While most flood-affected residents see the physical rehabilitation that is taking place in the valley, they have questions regarding the environment that we live in now. What is happening to the house that has not been cleaned out? Is mold a health issue? Can I plant a garden in flooded soil? Will the trees survive? These are the types of questions that this forum is designed to answer," said Neil Scharpe, GPCCRS director. Mikhail Bobylev, chemistry professor, will present research conducted on mold sampling in flooded homes, including identification and ramifications of the types of mold found. Dr. Jeffery Verhey, Trinity Health pulmonologist, will provide a medical perspective on the consequences of mold including symptoms and treatment, as well as precautionary measures. First District Health representatives will discuss their efforts to identify flooded structures that have not been cleaned out or repaired. Citizens will be informed of the process that will be used to notify owners of their responsibilities and timelines for remediation. Regarding neighborhoods, Brian Johnson, Minot City forester, will present on the status of trees and shrubs and what citizens can expect in the next year or two. Bob Underwood, retired Dakota College at Bottineau professor, will address soil quality issues that exist in the flooded area one year after the flood and what citizens need to do. There will be a brief presentation of water quality testing done in the Mouse River pre-flood, flood and post-flood to address issues that citizens have regarding sewage contamination. The audience will also have opportunities to ask questions after the presentations. The forum is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Scharpe at 858-3596 or neil.scharpe@minotstateu.edu.|
Published: 06/15/12 |