After finding over 100 used insulin needles in and along the edge of the lagoon, Foster City officials are urging all those who have reason to be in and around the lagoon to exercise caution. Anyone finding a syringe should NOT touch it, but call the Fire Department business telephone line (286-3350) during regular working hours or the Police Department business telephone line (286-3300), which rings in the dispatch center, after hours.

On Thursday, April 1, Parks and Recreation and Public Works employees began to find a noticeable number of used syringes. Over the course of the day city employees from the Fire Department, Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments found over 100 needles in the lagoon, the pump house strainers and along the shore up to Rainbow Bridge. Residents also reported finding syringes.

The syringes appear to be used insulin needles, and most still have the needle exposed although some are capped.

As of Friday morning, April 2, 2010, it appears that most of the syringes have been recovered from the lagoon itself, but there may still be some stuck in the weeds and brush along the shore line. Everyone is encouraged to exercise caution along the lagoon edge and report finding any potentially hazardous refuse.

Residents should contact the County Health Department about proper disposal of used syringes. Using the lagoon as a dumping spot for syringes, or any medical equipment, endangers public safety and violators will be treated accordingly.