TORRANCE : EPA to Hold Public Forum on DDT Found at 2 Sites

Neighbors of two waste sites near Torrance will hear from federal officials tonight about the implications of recent tests that turned up unusually high levels of DDT in two back yards along West 204th Street.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency representatives will also address concerns about potential health effects of the two sites: Montrose Chemical Corp., which is a federal Superfund site, and the nearby Del Amo Pits, a proposed Superfund site.

Residents are questioning whether their health problems--such as rashes, nausea, headaches and joint pain--are being caused by chemicals from the sites. Concern intensified this month when the EPA found unusually high levels of DDT in the two back yards between Normandie and Vermont avenues.

The EPA public forum tonight will begin with an open house from 5:30 to 6:30, followed by a meeting from 7 to 9:30 at the Halldale Avenue School auditorium, 21514 Halldale Ave., Los Angeles. On hand to answer questions will be representatives from the EPA, the state Department of Health Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.