Calling it a “surprise announcement” by the U.S. Navy, Supervisor Jane Kim on Tuesday requested that the agency explain its reasoning for a search of every leased home on Treasure Island for possible radiological materials.In announcing the survey Monday, the Navy said “there are currently no known public-health hazards” to its knowledge.
The Navy, which operated a station at Site 12 where residents now live, did not have details on the upcoming radiological surveys – other than they will involve entering homes.
“Right now, Treasure Island residents want answers about when and how the survey will be performed as well as the reasons that the Navy is doing this now,” said Kim, who represents the island, in a statement.
Kim zeroed in on the Navy’s statements in a news release that it “cares about the people who live and work on Treasure Island” and that in the event of a radiological survey revealing a health concern, it will “take immediate action to protect the residents.”
“So if I’m a resident and the Navy finds something that puts me or my family at risk, what is the Navy’s commitment and contribution to working with the City to ensure that I have a safe place to live?” Kim asked in her statement. “Moreover, are there any health concerns living here on the island while the survey is being conducted?”
The Navy has found nearly 600 radioactive objects – mostly old rusted dials and gauges with glow-in-the-dark paint - since 2006.
Navy spokesman Lee Saunders told The San Francisco Examiner on Monday that “the details of the survey plans are being worked out” with the Treasure Island Development Authority and the state of California.…
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