PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
SAUK COUNTY LANDFILL
EXCELSIOR, SAUK COUNTY, WISCONSIN
This section describes contamination and other hazards associated with the Sauk County Landfill Superfund site. Contaminants of concern are selected for further analysis in following sections. Areas considered to be "on-site" are within the property boundary. All other areas are considered to be "off-site".
During the remedial investigation samples were taken of groundwater, surface soils, and soil gas. The results of these samples are summarized as they relate to each environmental exposure pathway in the following sections. Detailed accounts of each sample and results from analysis can be found in the remedial investigation reports for the Sauk County Landfill and in WDNR site files. Environmental contamination is found both on- and off-site. On-site contamination exists in the soils, air, and groundwater. Off-site contamination exists in Contaminants of concern are those contaminants migrating from the landfill that have the potential to affect human health. Isolating these contaminants from the long list of those that may be found at a site allows the assessor to focus on fewer, more important, contaminants. Sample results from the remedial investigation are used to evaluate all environmental pathways with potential human exposure routes. Human exposure routes are points where contaminants may enter the body and include: inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. The environmental pathways evaluated include: groundwater, surface water, surface soils, and air.
"Comparison values" are used to help select potential contaminants of concern from the results of samples taken at the site. A comparison value is a contaminant concentration level below which human exposure is likely to be without harmful health effects. Comparison values are derived from toxicity data and exposure dose assumptions for specific media (e.g. soils, drinking water, etc.). Sample results summary tables in this section include comparison values for the respective contaminants detected in each media evaluated. Concentrations at or above these levels do not necessarily represent a health threat.
ON-SITE CONTAMINATION
During remedial investigation activities on-site samples have been taken from groundwater, surface soils and soil gas. Results of sampling indicate that contamination has migrated from the landfill through groundwater and soil gases. The primary contaminants migrating from the landfill are VOCs. Contaminant concentrations decrease significantly with distance from the landfill.
Groundwater
Groundwater monitoring wells have been installed and sampled during a number of groundwater investigations at the site. There are 25 monitoring wells at the site that have been monitored as part of the remedial investigation. Twelve of those wells were installed as part of the remedial investigation to monitor the groundwater quality of both primary aquifers. Groundwater samples were taken from these wells in September and November of 1992, and March, April and June of 1993. Each well sample was analyzed for VOCs, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC), and metals. Table 1 summarizes the maximum VOC concentrations detected during the remedial investigation. The table also contains comparison values and the State's Groundwater Enforcement Standard. State standards are developed by the Division of Health and the Department of Natural Resources to be protective of human health. The VOCs detected at or above their respective comparison values are identified in bold type.
Because benzene, 1,2 dichloroethane, 1,1 dichloroethylene, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, and vinyl chloride were detected above their respective comparison values, they were selected as VOC contaminants of concern for groundwater. Detecting these contaminants above their respective comparison values does not necessarily indicate a public health hazard. Refer to the Public Health Implications section of this health assessment for a discussion of possible health hazards.
| VOC | Maximum Detected | Comparison Value | Enforcement Standard |
| Benzene | 5.0 | 1.0a | 5.0 |
| Chlorobenzene | 3.0 | 200.0b | 100.0 |
| Chloroethane | 29.0 | NS | 400.0 |
| 1,2 Dichlorobenzene | 0.8 | 600.0c | 1250.0 |
| 1,4 Dichlorobenzene | 2.0 | 75.0c | 75.0 |
| 1,1 Dichloroethane | 110.0 | NS | 850.0 |
| 1,2 Dichloroethane | 1.0 | 0.4a | 5.0 |
| 1,1 Dichloroethylene | 9.0 | 0.06a | NS |
| cis-1,2 Dichloroethylene | 17.0 | 70.0c | 100.0 |
| 1,2 Dichloropropane | 2.0 | 900.0b | 5.0 |
| Ethyl benzene | 22.0 | 700.0c | 1360.0 |
| Methylene chloride | 15.0 | 5.0a | 150.0 |
| 4-Methyl 2-pentanone | 2.0 | NS | 500.0 |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 5.0 | 0.7a | 5.0 |
| Toluene | 43.0 | 1,000.0c | 343.0 |
| 1,1,1 Trichloroethane | 49.0 | 200.0c | 200.0 |
| Trichloroethylene | 2.0 | 3.0a | 5.0 |
| Xylenes (total) | 22.0 | 10,000.0c | 620.0 |
| Vinyl chloride | 5.4 | 0.2b | 0.2 |
Monitoring well sample analysis detected only for SVOCs in wells immediately adjacent to the landfill. The highest concentrations were at or below their respective quantitation limits. We do not expect SVOCs to migrate as readily as VOCs in groundwater. Table 2 contains a summary of the maximum SVOCs detected in groundwater. The table also contains the respective comparison values. Despite its low detected level, chrysene is considered a contaminant of concern for groundwater because the detected concentration exceeded its comparison value.
| SVOC | Maximum Detected | Comparison Values | Enforcement Standard |
| Benzoic acid | 1.0* | 40,000.0d | NS |
| Chrysene | 1.0* | 0.2e | NS |
| Diethylphthalate | 3.0* | 5,000.0c | NS |
| 2,4 Dimethyl phenol | 0.6* | 200.0d | NS |
| Inorganic | Maximum Detected | Comparison Value | Enforcement Standard |
| Barium | 1,400 | 700d | 1,000 |
| Iron | 10,000 | NS | 300 |
| Manganese | 1,130 | 50d | 50 |
Inorganic analysis of monitoring well samples detected many commonly occurring parameters in the on-site groundwater. The parameters detected in exceedance of their comparison values or Enforcement Standards are shown in Table 3 with their highest detected concentrations. Barium, iron, and manganese are contaminants of concern for groundwater.
Surface Soils
During the remedial investigation of the site, surface soils were sampled from the landfill and adjacent areas. There are no relevant state or federal soil contaminant standards to use in identifying contaminants of concern. However, there are health based comparison values listed in Table 4. For the soils and sediments comparison values exposures assume a year round daily soil ingestion rate of 200 mg/day for a 10 kg child, and 100 mg/day for an 70 kg adult(6). The contaminants of concern are shown in bold type.
There are several inorganic parameters that do not have comparison values, because with the exception of lead, these parameters are commonly found in the environment, and are not considered to pose a health hazard. For this reason only lead is retained as a contaminant of concern. Arsenic, beryllium, and manganese each have been detected at levels exceeding their comparison values.
The surface soils were also analyzed for Semivolatile Organic Compounds (SVOC). Because most SVOCs are man made compounds they are not considered to be naturally occurring in surface soils. However, it has become common to detect some SVOCs called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in locations without known sources. SVOCs were detected in some of the surface soil samples taken.
| Inorganic | Maximum Detected | Comparison Value |
| Aluminum | 24,300 | NS |
| Arsenic | 42.5 | 0.2a |
| Barium | 331 | 4,000d |
| Beryllium | 3.1 | 0.2a |
| Cadmium | 1.8 | 40b |
| Calcium | 12,200 | NS |
| Chromium | 24.8 | 50,000d |
| Cobalt | 93.7 | NS |
| Copper | 525 | NS |
| Iron | 69,000 | NS |
| Lead | 88.8 | NS |
| Magnesium | 4,760 | NS |
| Manganese | 4,770 | 300d |
| Mercury | 0.19 | 100b |
| Nickel | 123 | 1,000d |
| Potassium | 3,460 | NS |
| Thallium | 2.6 | NS |
| Vanadium | 69.2 | 200b |
| Zinc | 1,040 | 20,000d |
| Cyanide | 0.75 | 1,000d |
| SVOC | Maximum Detected | Comparison Value |
| Acenapthalene | 43J | 3,000,000d |
| Benz(a)anthracene | 580 | 900h |
| Benzo(b)fluoranthene | 2,000 | 900h |
| Benzo(k)fluoranthene | 2,000 | 9,000h |
| Benzo(g,h,i)perylene | 410 | NA (PAH) |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | 830 | 100a |
| Chrysene | 550 | 88,000h |
| Dibenz(a,h)anthracene | 170J | 90a |
| Di-n-butylphthalate | 220J | 5,000d |
| Di-n-octylphthalate | 43J | 50a |
| Fluoranthene | 460 | 2,000,000d |
| Indeno(1,2,3,cd)pyrene | 660 | 900h |
| 2 Methylnapthalene | 210J | NA (PAH) |
| Naphthalene | 150J | 3,100,000h |
| Phenanthrene | 320J | NA (PAH) |
| Phenol | 98J | 30,000d |
| Pyrene | 620 | 2,000,000h |
Di-n-butylphthalate, di-n-octylphthalate and phenol have available comparison values and are detected below those levels. The SVOC contaminants of concern retained do not have comparison values. All of the SVOC contaminants of concern are PAHs.
| VOC | Maximum Detected | Comparison Value |
| Acetone | 1,600 | 400f |
| Benzene | 580 | .03a |
| Chloroethane | 810 | 80,000f |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane (freon 12) | 1,900 | NA |
| 1,1 Dichloroethane | 2,600 | NA |
| 1,1 Dichloroethylene | 46 | 0.005a |
| 1,2 Dichloroethylene (cis) | 620 | NA |
| 1,2 Dichloro 1,1,2,2 tetrafluoroethane | 140 | NA |
| Ethyl benzene | 1,000 | 300f |
| Methylene chloride | 220 | 0.6a |
| Methyl ethyl ketone | 29,000 | 339g |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 69 | 0.3a |
| Toluene | 17,000 | 400g |
| 1,1,1 Trichloroethane | 120 | 300f |
| Trichlorofluoromethane (freon 11) | 29 | NA |
| 1,1,2 Trichloro 1,2,2 Trifluoroethane | 5.2 | NA |
| Vinyl chloride | 2,900 | NA |
| Xylenes (total) | 2,900 | NA |
Concentrations were converted from (µg/m3) to parts per billion
Air
Ambient air sampling has not been conducted at the site, however, during the remedial investigation gas samples were taken from soil gas probes around the perimeter of the landfill and leachate/gas wells on the landfill. As with the soils there are no relevant state or federal air contaminant standards to use in identifying contaminants of concern. The comparison values used represent air contaminant concentrations that are considered to be safe to breath in the ambient air. Concentrations at or above these levels do not necessarily represent a health threat. The detected VOC concentrations are not indicative of the levels that could exist in the ambient air. When soil gases migrate to the ambient air, concentrations drop rapidly due to dilution, dispersion and degradation. The discussion of contaminant toxicity later in this document addresses potential exposures to these VOCs qualitatively. Contaminants detected at or above their health based comparison values and those without comparison values are shown in bold type.
Acetone, benzene, 1,1 dichloroethylene, ethyl benzene, methylene chloride, methyl ethyl ketone, tetrachloroethylene, and toluene are contaminants of concern for the air pathway because they exceeded their respective comparison values. Other VOCs shown in bold type are retained because they do not have comparison values. A "background" sample was taken near the gate to the site approximately 800 feet from the landfill. This sample detected toluene and 1,1,1 trichloroethane; each below its respective comparison value. Because air contamination is diluted rapidly, the potential for VOC exposure on the landfill site is very low.
OFF-SITE CONTAMINATION
Results of the remedial investigation indicate that groundwater contamination has migrated off-site. Contaminant concentrations off-site are well below levels of potential health concern. Other off-site contamination is not believed to exist.
Off-Site Groundwater
Samples have been taken from each private well near the site. The results of one private well sample indicated contamination related to the site. No other private wells are impacted by site-related contamination. The contaminants that were detected in this private well are shown in Table 7 with the maximum detected concentration and the health-based groundwater standard for each compound.
| Contaminant | Maximum Concentration | Enforcement Standard | Comparison Value |
| 1,1,1 Trichloroethane | 2.0 | 200 | 200c |
| 1,1 Dichloroethane | 2.1 | 850 | NS |
The contaminants in this private well constitute the only known source of exposure to contaminants from the site. The community has expressed health concerns about this exposure. For these reasons they are considered contaminants of concern.
Off-Site Air
No off-site sampling of ambient air quality has been done at the site. Existing information about the site indicates that off-site air quality should not be impacted by the site. Limited monitoring of residential indoor air quality was done in October of 1993. An HNu photo ionization detector was used around and inside several residences near the site. Such qualitative monitoring is not as sensitive as actual air sampling. Evidence of VOCs were not detected in the ambient or indoor air of the homes. Because of concerns raised by nearby residents, VOC samples were drawn over a long period in one of the homes nearest to the site. The sample results did not indicate that the site is causing VOC contamination in the home. Because air sampling has been limited, results cannot be used to determine potential off-site air quality impacts from the site. However, due to the distance from the site to nearest off-site homes and the porosity of surface soils, it is very unlikely that VOCs could migrate to the homes through the soil or air at detectible levels.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
In preparing this assessment, the DOH relies on the information provided in the referenced documents and assumes that quality assurance and quality control measures were followed concerning chain-of-custody, laboratory procedures, and data reporting. The validity of the analyses and conclusions drawn for this assessment is determined by the reliability of the referenced information.
Historic sampling of a private well near the site did not provide acceptable results. Detects of carbon tetrachloride were found in all samples including sample blanks. For that reason the carbon tetrachloride detects were discounted. However, the private well was not resampled for carbon tetrachloride. For this reason the results for that well are inconclusive for carbon tetrachloride.
As part of the remedial investigation the consultant evaluated the condition of all existing monitoring wells at the site. All wells that were not in acceptable condition were identified and abandoned so that well sample results would only be derived from wells in good condition.
TRI SEARCH
The Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) was searched for chemical releases from the Sauk County Landfill site and other facilities in the same zip code area. The Sauk County Landfill site was not listed in the TRI. No other releases were reported in the vicinity of the site.
PHYSICAL AND OTHER HAZARDS
The decomposition of municipal wastes produces landfill gas. This gas is composed primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. The existence of methane gas in high enough concentrations, with sufficient oxygen, can pose a fire and explosion hazard. There are currently no buildings near the landfill at risk of having explosive levels of methane build up. In addition, there are no underground work areas or sewers near the landfill that would allow for the build up of methane to explosive levels. The landfill gas extraction system will control methane migration from the landfill in order to remove any potential for fire and explosion. There are no adverse health effects related to human exposure to non-explosive levels of methane gas.
This section evaluates exposure scenarios for known (completed) exposures and for exposures that may have occurred or could occur in the future (potential). These exposures are evaluated based on the toxicological information for the respective contaminants of concern to determine likely health effects from the exposures.
Contamination is migrating from the landfill in the groundwater and the air. Some surface soil contamination exists on-site. However, there is currently no surface water or surface soil migration pathway from the landfill. Contaminated Groundwater has migrated off-site and has impacted one private well. Soil and air contamination is not believed to have migrated off-site.
COMPLETED EXPOSURE PATHWAYS
Contaminated groundwater from the site has entered the private well of one residence. This private well was first sampled in September, 1992. Contaminants were detected in the first sample and in each sample taken since that time until early 1995. In the spring of 1995 no contaminants were detected in a sample from that well. The contaminants detected are similar to those detected in the monitoring wells between the site and the home. The home was first occupied in the spring of 1980. It is not known when contaminants first entered the private well.
The contaminant concentrations are highest near the site and decrease consistently with distance from the site. Because the concentrations detected are quite low, it is believed that the private well is near the front of the plume. For this reason the concentrations were likely lower in the past. Possible exposure would be from the spring of 1980 to the present, at the highest concentrations detected to date (Table 7). Residents using contaminated groundwater would ingest contaminants when drinking water; inhale contamination released from the water during domestic uses (cooking, showering, etc.); absorb contaminants through their skin while bathing and washing in contaminated water. EPA's Exposure Assessment Group estimates that drinking water may account for 34% of VOC exposure when considering these three routes of exposure(8).
POTENTIAL EXPOSURE PATHWAYS
Groundwater
Residents living near the site rely on groundwater for their drinking water and other domestic uses. Residents using contaminated groundwater could be exposed as they ingest contaminants when drinking water; inhale contamination release from the water during domestic uses (cooking, showering, etc.); absorb contaminants through their skin while bathing and washing in contaminated water.
The highest concentration of each contaminant detected in groundwater is used as a basis for a worst case future exposure scenario. Tables 1-3 summarize the contaminants detected during the remedial investigation in on-site groundwater samples and their highest detected concentrations. Such a worst case exposure scenario assumes that contaminants migrate to existing off-site wells at their current highest concentrations. This condition is unlikely because contaminant concentrations decrease significantly a short distance from the landfill. Concentrations have also been decreasing rapidly over time near the site. Dilution, dispersion, attenuation, and chemical degradation are all factors that reduce the likelihood of high contaminant concentrations migrating from the site.
Surface Soils
People can be exposed to contamination in on-site surface soils through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. While working on the site, workers could have skin contact with contaminated surface soils. They could also inhale and/or ingest contaminated soils disturbed by vehicle traffic or walking on the site. Others entering and walking on the site would have a lower potential for these exposures.
Air
Soil gas samples show methane and a number of VOCs migrating from the landfill. It is difficult to monitor accurately for ambient air contamination from this type of site. Sampling efforts would not able to characterize the very low concentrations of VOCs that could exist in the air near the landfill. The possibility of detecting contamination and the concentrations can vary considerably by time of day and from one day to the next. Because no ambient air monitoring was done at the site it is possible that contaminants detected in soil gas could migrate to the ambient air near the landfill. People working on the site could be exposed to low concentrations of the VOCs listed in Table 6. Others who ocassionally enter and walk on the site would have a lower potential for these exposures.
This section provides a discussion of possible health effects related to completed or potential exposures to contaminants identified in the Environmental Contamination Section.
TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION
The toxicities of contaminants of concern are discussed in this section. VOC contaminants from the site have been detected in one private well. No adverse health effects are expected from exposures to the VOCs in this well. There are no other known exposures to contamination from the site. For this reason the toxicity discussion of the contaminants of concern is based on conservative estimates of exposures in the future. Only the adverse health effects that could possibly be associated with exposure to the highest contaminant concentrations detected in groundwater, surface soils, and air are discussed in this section.
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN
Sample results from monitoring wells on-site show organic and inorganic groundwater contamination. In general, concentrations are highest in the wells nearest to the landfill. The following discussions of contaminant toxicity are not based on current exposures. They reflect hazards associated with the worst case scenario of contaminant migration from the site at their highest on-site concentrations. 1,1,1 TCA and 1,1 DCA were not detected at levels exceeding their respective comparison values. The toxicology of both compounds is discussed in this section because of community health concerns about those compounds.
Current Exposure
1,1,1 Trichloroethane (1,1,1 TCA)
No adverse health effects are expected from current exposures to 1,1,1 TCA in the off-site private well. 1,1,1 TCA, also known as methyl chloroform, is a chlorinated solvent that has been identified as a site related compound. Inhalation of 1,1,1 TCA is the most common route of human exposure, followed by food and water consumption, and dermal contact. Regardless of how it enters the body, nearly all of it will quickly leave the body in exhaled air(9). 1,1,1 TCA is found in numerous foodstuffs including meat, oil, fat, tea, fruits, and vegetables, in concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 µg/kg. EPA has determined that 1,1,1 TCA is not a carcinogen.
1,1 Dichloroethane (1,1 DCA)
No adverse health effects are expected from current exposures to 1,1 DCA in the off-site private well. Two animal studies were performed to determine the carcinogenicity of 1,1 DCA. One study found no relationship. The second study yielded inconclusive evidence that 1,1 DCA may be carcinogenic in humans. Limitations in the second study (e.g. poor survival in both treated and control animals) preclude the consideration of these results as conclusive evidence of carcinogenicity(10). Similarly to 1,1,1 TCA, inhalation is the most common route of human exposure for 1,1 DCA, followed by food and water consumption, and dermal contact. Regardless of how it enters the body, nearly all of it will quickly leave the body in exhaled air.
Simultaneous Exposure to 1,1,1 TCA and 1,1 DCA
1,1,1 TCA and 1,1 DCA both are believed to cause decrease function of the liver and kidneys of
laboratory animals at high levels. In combination it is expected that they would act additively
towards these health effects. At the highest levels detected in a private well near the site, the
combination of the two compounds are not near levels that are expected to cause adverse health
effects. Testing has found that under extreme conditions vinyl chloride can be formed from these
compounds. However, that conversion would require an energy source that could not exist in this
private well.
Carcinogenic Health Effects
Benzene, Chrysene, Tetrachloroethylene, Vinyl Chloride, 1,1 Dichloroethylene
These chemicals have been classified as carcinogens. People who drink groundwater every day,
over a lifetime, with the highest concentrations of the contaminants detected in on-site monitoring
wells would have an increased risk of getting cancer. These contaminants may not be associated
with the same types of cancer. Having an exposure to more than one of these carcinogens can
increase a person's risk of getting cancer, above the risks from exposure to individual carcinogens.
Non-Carcinogenic Health Effects
Benzene, Chrysene, Tetrachloroethylene, 1,1 Dichloroethylene
Exposures to these contaminants at the highest levels detected in on-site groundwater are not expected to cause any non-cancer health effects(11),(12),(13),(14).
Vinyl Chloride
A possible effect of ingestion or inhalation of vinyl chloride at the highest levels detected at the
site could include damage to the liver(15).
Barium
Only limited information is available on the effects of chronic, human exposure to barium in
drinking water. Barium concentrations (>2,000 µg/L) in drinking water may be associated with
hypertension. These levels are slightly higher than the highest concentration detected at the site
(1,400 µg/L). There is evidence from animal studies that barium exposure could be linked with
increased blood pressure, and decreased heart function. There are no adverse health effects
associated with exposure to barium at the levels detected on-site.
Iron
The elevated iron concentrations in on-site groundwater (10,000 µg/L) exceed the Wisconsin
Groundwater Enforcement Standard for iron. However, this standard is a welfare based drinking
water standard, which means it is based on aesthetic quality (e.g. taste, color, odor), rather than
health effects. There are no adverse health effects associated with the ingestion of drinking water
with iron at the highest concentrations detected in on-site monitoring wells.
Manganese
Ingesting a small amount of manganese each day is important in maintaining health. The normal
amount of manganese in a diet is between 2,000 and 9,000 µg/day. The manganese that would be
added from drinking groundwater from the site at 1,130 µg/L would be 2,260 µg/day beyond
what was normally ingested from foods. There is a possible association with drinking elevated
levels of manganese and symptoms such as weakness, stiff muscles, and trembling hands. It is not
clear if the highest levels detected in on-site groundwater could cause adverse health effects(16).
SURFACE SOIL CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN
Carcinogenic Health Effects
Arsenic, Beryllium
Both arsenic and beryllium are carcinogens. These metals were detected in soils at concentrations
(arsenic - 42.7 mg/kg, beryllium - 3.1 mg/kg). These metals could cause an increased cancer risk
if they were ingested at a rate of 100 mg/day for a lifetime. This exposure scenario is only
appropriate for assessing surface soil exposures residential yards. Because the location of the
surface soil contamination is in area with limited access, no increased cancer risk would be
expected from normal exposures to the highest concentrations of arsenic and beryllium detected at
the site.
PAH
PAHs were detected in samples of surface soils on-site. PAHs are created from the incomplete
combustion of fossil fuels. They are often associated with vehicle emissions and/or oil and grease
spills. There are over one hundred different PAH compounds and individual PAHs are rarely
identified in the absence of others. The health effects of the individual PAHs may not be exactly
alike. However, the coincident detection of a number of these compounds makes it difficult to
isolate health effects for individual PAHs. For this reason the toxicity of these PAHs is evaluated
as a group. Long term exposure to some PAH compounds has been shown to cause cancer in
humans exposed through inhalation and dermal absorption. These PAHs were detected in soils at
concentrations that could cause an increased cancer risk if they were ingested at a rate of 100
mg/day for a lifetime. As with arsenic and beryllium this exposure scenario is only appropriate for
assessing surface soil exposures residential areas. Because the location of the surface soil
contamination is in an area with limited access, no increased cancer risk would be expected from
normal exposures to the highest concentrations of PAHs at the site(17). See Table 5 for the highest
detected PAH concentrations.
Non-Cancer Health Effects
Arsenic, Beryllium
No other health effects are associated with exposure to the highest concentrations of arsenic and beryllium at the site.
Lead
Lead has been detected in on-site surface soils and sediments at levels elevated over background.
However, exposure to the highest lead concentration detected (88.8 mg/kg) is not high enough to
pose a health hazard. Lead levels in paint are regulated at 600 mg/kg to be protective of the
health of children and infants. Soil lead levels of 500 to 1,000 mg/kg have been considered to be
non-threatening of public health(18). In each of these situations residential exposure scenarios are
used. Exposures at this site would be substantially lower.
Manganese
Inhaling high levels of manganese dust by miners has been associated with a number of
neurological health effects such as mental and emotional disturbances, and slow and clumsy body movements. Exposures to the highest levels of manganese (4.77 parts per million) detected in on-site soils would not be expected to cause adverse health effects. The concentration in air below which a daily exposure is expected to cause health effects is 0.6 µg/m3.
AIR CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN
Samples of soil gas are not indicative of the ambient air concentrations at a point of possible exposure. The following discussion does not include estimates of potential exposure concentrations. It is expected that concentrations in the ambient air would be considerably less than those detected in the soil gas.
Carcinogenic Health Effects
Benzene, 1,1 Dichloroethylene, Methylene Chloride, Tetrachloroethylene, Vinyl Chloride
Each of these carcinogenic compounds has been detected in soil gas at concentrations well above levels considered to pose a health concern in the ambient air. Exposure to these compounds at low concentrations(19) on a daily basis over a lifetime may pose an increased cancer risk.
Non-Carcinogenic Health Effects
Freons
Dichlorodifluoroethane (Freon 12), 1,2 dichloro 1,1,2,2 tetrafluoroethane (Freon 114),
trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11), and 1,1,2 trichloro 1,2,2 Trifluoroethane (Freon 113) have all
been detected in soil gas samples at the site. None of these compounds were detected at levels
expected to cause adverse health effects(20) .
Acetone, 1,2 Dichloroethylene, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Toluene, Xylenes (total)
The highest concentrations of each of these compounds detected in soil gas samples were below levels that would be expected to cause adverse health effects.
HEALTH OUTCOME DATA EVALUATION
"Health outcome data" is a phrase referring to records of death and disease. When there is evidence that people near a site have been exposed to contaminants at levels that could lead to an increase in rates of death or disease, a review of health outcome data may be appropriate. A review also may be appropriate if there are reports of unusual clusters of disease near a site.
Community health concerns related to the site have been reported. The potential pathways of exposure related to these health concerns have been evaluated. No health outcome data review is warranted as a result of this evaluation. Should additional information of human exposures be found, a review of health outcome data will be reconsidered.
This section addresses the community health concerns identified earlier in the document.
Groundwater
Contaminants from the site have been detected in only one private well. No health effects are expected for short term or long term (lifetime) exposure to the highest concentrations of these contaminants detected in the private well.
The combined toxicity of a mixture of these contaminants (1,1,1 TCA , 1,1 DCA) has not been studied. However, because they both are expected to cause the same health effects their detected concentrations can be combined and are still many times below a level that could cause health effects.
Yes. The standards are developed to be protective of infants and other susceptible groups of people.
All private wells near the site have been sampled at least once. The DOH has recommended that, where possible, monitoring wells be installed between the site and private wells. These monitoring wells have been installed. A groundwater monitoring plan has been developed by the County and approved by the DNR and DOH. This monitoring plan includes an appropriate sampling frequency of private wells to be protective of public health.
If contamination should spread to other private wells in the future, the County will inform you of the sample results. DOH and the DNR will also inform you of any potential health risks related to the detected contaminants and recommend changes in the use of your water if necessary. If contaminant concentrations exceed groundwater enforcement standards the County will be responsible for providing an alternative water supply to the well user.
Air
The odors are coming from the active landfill next to the closed site. The odors are likely a result of decomposing municipal wastes. The selected remedy for the site includes a gas extraction system to capture and destroy landfill gas from the old landfill. No information is available on the composition of the odors coming from the active landfill.
No. It is too far from the site for gas to migrate through the very porous soils to the homes.
Workers installing the gas extraction system will be monitoring air quality while working. If monitoring equipment indicates a potential health hazard, work will continue with the use of proper protective equipment (respirators, etc.).
Other
Contamination on-site is limited primarily to the groundwater and the waste beneath the cap. Any activity that disturbs the cap could result in exposure to the wastes beneath. Elevated PAHs detected in surface soils are at levels similar to urban areas and heavy traffic rural areas. An ATV operator would not be expected to have a significant exposure. However, other physical hazards may exist on the site not related to contamination. People should not enter the site without permission from the County.
DOH evaluated the possibility of doing a health study at this site. However, the information available about the site indicates that such a study would not be beneficial. DOH encourages anyone who feels they have an unusual health symptom to consult with their physician or the local public health nurse. We will work with citizens and their physician or nurse to identify the source of health problems if necessary.
Because the title has been established for this document by ATSDR for all sites, it can not be changed for this site. However, DOH recognizes the concerns and the need for clarification. In creating this document no evaluation of any person's health has been done at this site.
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Figure 3: This is a conservative estimate
