DUNE at LBNF

Dust toxicology report for the LBNF excavation

Dr. Gary Krieger, MD, has submitted his final report with the evaluation of the particulates and dust created by the rock from the excavation of the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility. The report is a follow-up to the presentations he gave at the April and July 2022 informational community meetings in Lead, South Dakota.

The key summary of the report states:

LBNF excavation soils do not present a health hazard via either inhalation or direct ingestion pathways to children or adults in Lead, South Dakota. There is no significant increased risk of cancer or non-cancer health effects to children or adults living on or near excavated soils/rock. The measured soil concentrations for potential metals of concern potentially attributable to LBNF excavation activities are well below human health risk-based screening concentrations. Similarly, continuously measured levels of fine (PM2.5) or coarse (PM10) particulates are not at a concentration that would produce significant short-term health effects in nearby community members. Finally, crystalline silica concentrations in air do not pose a health risk to the community.

The full report is available here.

While this report finds the dust in Lead, SD is not a health hazard, we recognize the dust is a concern for the community and we will continue our efforts to minimize it. This includes maintaining the existing dust monitors, using water sprinklers and cannons, and applying capping agents as needed to the Open Cut area.

If you have questions regarding the report, please contact the LBNF team at neighbors-sd@fnal.gov