FAMAIEC We AP 0ae te Protecting Marines and the Environment (NAPSA)—The Marine Corps has recently created an on-line registry to help keep Marines, family members and civilian employees who resided or worked aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 informed about past water quality issues at the base. We need the help ofall friends of the Marine Corps to locate these individuals and have them sign up on theregistry. Identifying the Problem In the early 1980’s, two solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), both unregulated at the time, were found in two water systems that served the Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace areas of the base. Whenit was determined that specific groundwater wells were impacted, they were immediately shut down in early 1985. The drinking water at Camp Lejeune today is regularly tested and safe to drink. Taking Action The Departmentof the Navyis funding two independent studies to determineif there is an association between exposure to the water and certain health effects. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is studying whether there is an association between exposure to the water and certain health conditions in children in the womb, the most susceptible population. The study is expected to be complete in 2009. In addition, the National Academy of Sciences is CAMP LEJEUNE!;:7u The Marines have worked to ensure clean drinking water. conducting a study to evaluate other potential risks associated with exposure. Their study is expected to be complete in the fall of 2008. The Marine Corps intends to notify all registrants of the results of these studies. Implementing Solutions The Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are committed to contacting as many former residents and workers as possible who may have been exposed to these chemicals between 1957 and 1987. Unfortunately, Marine Corps and Department of Defense personnel databases do not go back to 1957 and are incomplete. The registry will enable the Marine Corpsto collect current contact information for former residents and workers and will allow us perform a more thorough notification when the studies are complete. Marineofficials encourage former base residents and employees to register and visit the official website (www.Marines.mil/clsurvey), contact the toll-free Camp Lejeune Water Study Call Center (877) 2619782, or email clwater@usme.mil.
