Department of Public Health
Occupational Safety and Health Section
Memorandum
Date:

November 5, 1999

To:

Commander Heather Fong
SFPD SOD

From:

Diane Cuyle
Industrial Hygienist

Subject:

Water Samples, Building 606

U&.,

Over the last several months, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has collected multiple
samples throughout the Hunters Point Shipyard, including samples from Building 606. All the
samples collected were only from cold water pipes, including drinking fountains in Building 606.
While the PUC has not published their findings, OSH has been told all of the results are below
the maximum concentration level (MCL) and meet drinking water standards.
Previous water samples were collected in Building 606 in response to concerns of the oily/greasy
feel. These sample results were provided to the PUC in order to determine the source of the
contaminant and develop a plan of action to eliminate the contaminant. The PUC concluded that
the total extractable petroleum hydrocarbon contaminant was found in hot or a mixture of hot
and cold water samples. The PUC only guarantees water quality up to the point of delivery to
the building. Any impurities that occur due to building components such as a boiler become an
internal issue.
Therefore, on September 28, 1999, four water samples were collected. These samples were
drawn from the hot and cold water taps in the East bomb room shower, the hot water tap in the
West bomb room sink, and the boiler. The cold water sample was collected as a control measure.
The samples were analyzed for total extractable petroleum hydrocarbons by EPA Method 8270C.
Health Science Associates, an American Industrial Hygiene Association accredited laboratory,
reported all the samples were below the detection limit of the analytical equipment.
It is believed the increased water usage since moving in has "flushed" any impurities out of the
system. With the additional use by the crime lab personnel, this should prevent any future
accumulation of potential impurities in the water for Building 606.
If there are any questions, please contact me at 671-3171.

cc:

Officer Matt Castagnola, SFPD Union Steward
Chris Cunnie, SF POA
Officer Dean Taylor, SFPD Safety and Health
101 Grove Street, Room 217 • San Francisco, CA 94102 • (415) 554-2793

 November 4, 1999
CDR Heather Fong
Water Samples, Building 606

Captain Tim Hettrich, SFPD Planning Dept.
Carole Ruwart, SF Water Department
Byron Rhett, SFRA
Elaine Warren, Deputy City Attorney
Amy Brownell, DPH
Marty Blake, SFPD Crime Lab
file:

SFPD/Hunters Point/Miscellaneous

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