The Tribune

PUBLIC health screenings for Marathon residents who were possibly exposed to harmful chemicals as a result of the 2012 Rubis fuel leak were cancelled without notice this weekend.

Scores of residents turned up at the Elizabeth Estates clinic for health assessments that were scheduled to resume on June 6, according to community activist Latoya Hanna, but were later told that the screenings were cancelled.

It was unclear whether or not the screenings would resume this coming weekend.

Health screenings were initially scheduled to be completed by June 1, according to a government statement released at the onset of assessments last month.

In a statement released on May 3, the government also pledged to continue testing and monitoring in the affected area for “the next several years” adding it would update the public through “quarterly reports”.

Screenings were held on May 16, 17, 23 and 24, but were cancelled for May 30 because the clinic was being used by the Cancer Society. Residents were told that the clinic would resume screenings on June 6.

The fuel release of 12,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline was observed in late December 2012 by former station operator Fiorente Management, and reported to Rubis on January 19, 2013, according to the BEST Commission.

Black and Veatch International was later contracted by the government in 2013 to ensure that the actions taken by the station owner to address the release were appropriate to protect public health. It was also with a view to ensure there was adequate remediation of the environment. The report found that residents were exposed to potentially harmful chemicals, including cancer-causing benzene. However, that report was not released for more than a year.

Amid criticism that local health officials did not communicate with area residents about the risks associated with the fuel leak, Chief Medical Officer Dr Glen Beneby said last month the government would “leave no stone unturned” in assisting those affected.