In March 2004, Governor Janet Napolitano issued Executive Order 2004-07 to create a plan to prepare the state for the significant changes that will occur with the increase in the state’s aging population during the next 15 years. The attached plan is the initial step towards ensuring that Arizona communities are good places for people of all ages to live with independence, purpose, and dignity. The approaches set forth provide a comprehensive set of strategies that state agencies propose to implement in the coming decade to address the changing demographics and ensure that Arizona is indeed ready for significant growth in its aging population.

The Arizona Department of Health Services completed this health consultation at the request of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. This consult evaluates whether soil vapors from volatile organic compounds in the subsurface near the Silver Creek Subdivision in Tucson, Arizona are present at levels that may cause adverse health effects.

From May 2005 to June 2005, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality conducted a study, Potable Well Sampling Task 4.0, to determine if the chromium and chromium VI plume due to the discharge of the Pacific Gas and Electronic Topock Compressor Station has migrated under the Colorado River and impacted water supplies in Arizona. The ADEQ investigated the total chromium and hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) concentrations in (1) public water supply wells, (2) combined industrial and domestic water supply wells, and (3) private domestic water supply wells at Topock and Golden Shores, Arizona. The communities of Topock and Golden Shores have expressed their concerns regarding the findings. Thus, the ADEQ requested the Arizona Department of Health Services to evaluate the potential health effects of exposure to well water contaminated with chromium.