DSHW-2003-006043 - 0901a0688015649f

ATK
ALUANT TECHSYSTEh/IS
3 December 2003
8200-CY04:ST055
Thiokol Propulsion Corp
P.O. Box 707
Brigham City, UT 84302-0707
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
HAND DELIVERED
Uta
DEC - 4 • •-;
h Division of Solid
and Hazardous Waste
Mr. Dennis R. Downs, Executive Secretary
State of Utah
Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste
288 N. 1460 W.
P.O. Box 144880
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4880
Dear Mr. Downs
ATTENTION: Jeff Vandel
Subject: Follow up to DSHW letter dated November 4, 2003 in response to Report on the
Uptake of Perchlorate by Plants and the Potential for Human Exposure Via Consumption of Beef
at the ATK Thiokol Propulsion - Promontory Facility - EPA ID #UTD009081357".
This letter is to clarify your correspondence dated November 4, 2003 regarding ATK Thiokol's
investigation of potential risks to human health through ingestion of beef from cattle that grazed
at locations with detectable perchlorate in water and vegetation. Thiokol appreciates the
Division's concurrence that the exposure potential and the risk posed to human health does not
appear to be a concem. However, the last sentence of the second paragraph of the letter needed
further clarification, this states that "As an additional precautionary measure, ATK should
consider preventing ongoing exposure by fencing off areas known to be contaminated with
perchlorate". In a subsequent conversation with Jeff Vandel of your office, Thiokol asked about
this statement. Mr. Vandel clarified that this statement is only a cautionary suggestion for ATK
and is not a request or expectation, especially in light of the fact that there is no apparent concem
with the exposure. Mr. Vandel further stated that the Division is aware of the problems and
concems it would cause grazing in the area if an attempt was made to fence the water sources for
the cattle. With this clarification of the statement, ATK will take the statement under
advisement as it was intended.
In the event there are additional clarifications to the letter or the reference statement please direct
them to myself at [phone].
Sincerely
Paul V. Hancock, Manager
Environmental Remediation