PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
H & L NO. 1 MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
DANVILLE, VERMILION COUNTY, ILLINOIS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND OTHER HAZARDS
This section of the public health assessment describes environmental sampling previously conducted at the site and identifies contaminants found in specific environmental media above comparison values. Comparison values are contaminant concentrations in specific media used to select contaminants for further evaluation, such as Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs), Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs), and other relevant guidelines. The selected contaminants are evaluated in subsequent sections of the public health assessment to determine whether exposure to them has public health significance.
The data tables include the following acronyms:
| CREG | = | Cancer Risk Evaluation Guide |
| EMEG | = | Environmental Media Evaluation Guide |
| LTHA | = |
Lifetime Health Advisory |
| MCL | = | Maximum Contaminant Level |
| RMEG | = |
Reference Dose Media Evaluation Guide |
| RfC | = | Reference Concentration |
| ND | = | not detected |
| ppb | = | parts per billion |
| ppm | = | parts per million |
EMEGs are media-specific screening values developed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) for use in selecting environmental contaminants of potential health concern. EMEGs are based on Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) and do not consider potential carcinogenic effects. CREGs are estimated comparison concentrations for specific chemicals based on one excess cancer in a million persons exposed over a lifetime. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) represent contaminant concentrations that USEPA deems protective of public health (considering the availability and economics of water treatment technology) over a lifetime (70 years) at an ingestion rate of 2 liters of water per day.
USEPA's Lifetime Health Advisories (LTHAs) represent the level of a contaminant in drinking water (with a margin of safety) at which adverse noncarcinogenic health effects would not be anticipated during a lifetime (70 years) of exposure. While MCLs are regulatory concentrations (enforcement standards), LTHAs are not. USEPA's Reference Dose (RfD) is an estimate of the daily exposure to a contaminant that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
The data presented in this section is from a hydrogeological investigation completed in 1980 and an RI completed in 1986. On-site contamination refers to samples collected in the areas shown in Figure 3.
Groundwater Monitoring Wells
Figure 3 shows the number and locations of on-site monitoring wells, and Table 1 shows the contaminants and concentration ranges. There are no aquifers in the study area. Silt, and sand and gravel lenses, occurring in the tills, may contain some water; however, these lenses are small and discontinuous. Some of the lenses can provide enough water for individual local wells.
In 1978, IEPA installed five groundwater monitoring wells on the site. Four wells were less than 26 feet deep, and the fifth, G-604, was 40 feet deep. Subsequently, five bedrock groundwater monitoring wells were installed on the site in 1986. The concentrations of inorganic constituents found in laboratory testing of water samples collected from the bedrock monitoring wells did not exceed any comparison values.
No analyses for organic compounds were done in 1978; however, organic compounds were analyzed and detected in the groundwater during the 1986 RI (Table 1). There were four organic compounds detected in the groundwater samples collected from the bedrock monitoring wells. These wells were drilled using potable municipal water known to have traces of chloroform and dichlorobromomethane. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the presence of these compounds in the groundwater samples may have been from the water used during drilling. The source of benzene is unknown and appears to be an isolated, low-level occurrence. There were no pesticides or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) detected in any of the bedrock wells on the site.
Leachate Monitoring Wells
Leachate monitoring wells were installed within the refuse to characterize the chemical quality of subsurface leachate. The organic and inorganic analyses are presented in Table 2. There were no pesticides or PCBs detected in any of the leachate monitoring wells.
Air Monitoring
The results of the air monitoring conducted at the site in September 1986 indicated that the highest concentrations of volatile contaminants were associated with the seep areas on the site. The samples were collected in stainless steel canisters and analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). These results are shown in Table 3.
Groundwater - Private Wells
In 1978, abandoned private wells east of the site were sampled. Although the inorganic sample results showed the quality of the groundwater was degraded in the private wells, there was no information to conclude that the contamination was caused by the landfill. The poor water quality in the private wells probably was caused by wastewater from cesspools, or septic tanks and leachate fields, and the landfill leachate probably had little impact.
An unpleasant taste in drinking water caused the residents of four single-family homes on the east side of the site to install their own water line to the city's public water supply in 1969. Subsequently, IEPA recommended total abandonment of their private wells in 1971. A fifth residential well was abandoned in 1986 after water analysis showed that a low level of vinyl chloride was present (Table 4). Vinyl chloride was thought to be a degradation product of the trichloroethene found in leachate seeps and sediments along the southern border of the site. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was also detected by the water analysis, but it was believed to be the result of laboratory contamination or leached from plastic plumbing pipes. There were no pesticides or PCBs detected in the bedrock wells. IEPA and the Vermillion County Health Department are uncertain whether the five wells have been properly abandoned (3,6).
Soil and Sediment (Residential)
Soil samples collected from a residential farm field east of the site contained trace levels of methylene chloride and acetone that are most likely attributable to laboratory contamination of the sample. However, a trace level of trichloroethene (TCE) was detected, which might be attributable to the site because the field is within the downstream drainage path of the middle tributary where TCE has been found. This field also contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the pesticide chlordane (Table 5). The potential for historical application of incinerator ash and chlordane on the field should be addressed before concluding that soils in this field have been affected by the site. Inorganic compounds (metals) were elevated in sediment samples collected from residential ponds and yard seeps (Table 5).
Sediments (Tributaries)
The south tributary drains the site, I-74, and a housing cluster across I-74 southwest of the landfill. It is the largest of the three tributaries to the Vermilion River potentially affected by the site. Sediment sampling of this tributary did not indicate the presence of any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) above comparison values; but trace levels of acetone and chloroform were detected. These compounds are typical analytical laboratory contaminants and are not likely to be attributable to the site. The pesticide chlordane was detected in the tributary's sediment, but it was not found in sediment samples next to the site. Thus, other sources of chlordane, such as residential use, are most likely responsible for the presence of this contaminant in the tributary. Inorganic sampling revealed only one contaminant with a concentration higher than the levels found for the upstream (background) sediment samples. Lead was detected at 28 ppm. Other metals in the south tributary sediments may be collectively attributable to leachate from the site and the former mining area. Also, the south tributary may be influenced by drainage from I-74 and runoff from a nearby residential area that may have once used mine spoils as cover material or as roadway bedding.
The middle tributary receives leachate from surficial seeps near the northeast corner of the site. The tributary originates at the site as a partial leachate collection system. Sediments from the middle tributary were contaminated with VOCs. Table 6 reflects the compounds found in all three tributaries; however, the bulk of these compounds and their higher concentrations were detected in the middle tributary. The organic contaminants in this tributary were directly attributable to the discharge of leachate from the site. No other significant sources were identified. In addition, the inorganic compounds (metals) detected were one to two orders of magnitude higher than the background sample. Again, this reflected the overall leachate quality in the northern section of the site. This quality was directly attributable to past site operations (mining and solid waste disposal) with only minimal influence from off-site sources.
The north tributary drains the west and northwest areas of the site and a portion of the residential area west-northwest of the site. Sediment samples from both upper and lower locations of the tributary exhibit low levels of VOCs, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and chlordane. The trace levels of VOCs were probably attributable to laboratory contamination. The SVOCs, which were polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were detected in one sediment sample collected at a discharge point of an old storm drain near the incinerator building (Health and Safety Garage abandoned in August 1986). Benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, and phenanthrene are typical combustion products not found in any other leachate, sediment, or surface water samples elsewhere on site. The highest concentration of chlordane was found in this tributary's sediment sample.
Inorganic compounds detected in this tributary were similar to those in the other tributaries; however, concentrations of most metals in the north tributary were detected in trace amounts and at greater levels in the middle tributary.
Sediment (Vermilion River)
River sediment samples taken upstream of the site were similar to background sediment quality in the south tributary. There appeared to be no significant alterations in the river sediment quality in samples collected near the site at the south, middle, and north tributaries' confluence with the river.
Surface Water
Surface water data for the Vermilion River, the north, middle, and south tributaries, and North, South, and Orange Ponds did not indicate any VOCs, SVOCs, inorganic compounds, PAHs, pesticides, or PCBs greater than comparison values were present in the water samples.
Leachate
The greatest amount of organic contamination in off-site leachate was found in samples collected in May 1986. Low levels of VOCs, including bis(2-chloroethyl)ether, were found in the middle tributary. The samples were collected from orange leachate at an area where odors have been a persistent problem.
Biota
Fish from the Vermilion River west of the site were sampled in August 1986. The fish species collected represented bottom dwellers and feeders. All samples were analyzed for organic compounds that might accumulate in fish flesh.
Chlordane concentrations were similar for fish captured upstream and downstream. Therefore, based on a limited database for fish, it cannot be concluded that the site is affecting the fish population in the Vermilion River. Other potential sources of chlordane contamination include off-site soils and areas where chlordane may have been applied or spilled in an urbanized area. These sources of chlordane may eventually drain to the Vermilion River through sewers, storm runoff and storm drains, and sewage treatment facilities. Chlordane is often found in fish from Illinois lakes and streams. The total chlordane (alpha and gamma isomers) detected downstream was less than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits for this compound in fish (32 ppb vs. 300 ppb). Thus, IDPH has not issued a health advisory for eating fish for this segment of the Vermilion River.
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI)
A search was conducted of the USEPA Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) for the site and local area (7). This database contains information on environmental chemical releases from active industrial facilities (1987-1992). Table 7 summarizes environmental releases from industries near the site. This information was obtained to get a general idea if past or ongoing emissions from manufacturing facilities in the area may be contributing an additional environmental burden to the site and the potential population of concern.
C. Quality Assurance and Quality Control
In preparing this public health assessment, IDPH relies on the information provided in the referenced documents and assumes that adequate quality assurance and quality control measures about chain-of-custody, laboratory procedures, and data reporting were followed. The validity of the analysis and conclusions drawn for this public health assessment is determined by the availability and reliability of the referenced information.
In the past, the site was accessible to the public, with people playing on the ball diamonds and
neighborhood children riding all terrain vehicles on the site. A children's play area with swings
and slides was on the site, near the ball diamonds. Physical hazards consisted of exposed
crushed drums (exposed as a result of erosion) and leachate seeps containing site chemical
contaminants. The ball diamonds were abandoned in the summer of 1986, and a fence was built
around the site perimeter in May 1993. Public access to the site is restricted.
To determine whether nearby residents are exposed to contamination migrating from the site, IDPH evaluates the environmental and human components that lead to exposure. A exposure pathway consists of five elements: a source of contamination, transport through an environmental medium, a point of exposure, a route of human exposure, and an exposed population.
IDPH categorizes an exposure pathway as either completed or potential. Completed pathways require that the five elements exist and show that exposure to a contaminant has occurred in the past, is occurring, or will occur in the future. Potential pathways, however, require that at least one of the five elements is missing but could exist. Potential pathways indicate that exposure to a contaminant could have occurred in the past, could be occurring now, or could occur in the future. An exposure pathway can be eliminated if at least one of the five elements is missing and will never be present. The discussion that follows incorporates only those pathways that are important and relevant to the site. Table 8 shows the completed exposure pathways for the site.
A. Completed Exposure Pathways
Private Water Supply Pathway
A completed exposure pathway resulted from past contamination of groundwater in residential wells immediately east of the site. None of the wells tested is used as a drinking water source today, and so this exposure is no longer occurring. Only one private well was identified to contain contaminants (vinyl chloride) above comparison values. Vinyl chloride was probably a degradation product of TCE that was found on the site. The remaining private wells exhibited secondary standard violations that might have made the water aesthetically displeasing, but would not be a health concern.
In the spring of 1987, the residences east of the site were connected to a new contaminant-resistant, municipal water supply line. Therefore, current and future concerns of the availability of uncontaminated drinking water for this population have been eliminated. Because vinyl chloride was the only contaminant of concern detected in the groundwater completed exposure pathway, it will be discussed further in the Public Health Implications section of this public health assessment.
Ambient Air Pathway
As mentioned in the Environmental Contamination section, air sampling was conducted both on and off the site during the RI. The air samples were collected at the on-site northeast seep and at off-site residences, both upwind and downwind of the site. Although the air data showed that levels of VOCs detected downwind of the site were less than those detected on-site, the concentrations were still above comparison values. In fact, upwind background air samples were also above comparison values, but at concentrations less than all downwind sample data. The air in this area may also be influenced by vehicle traffic on Greenwood Cemetery Road and the proximity to the city and I-74. Past odor complaints by residents indicate that some site air contaminants have migrated off the site at levels sufficient to be noticeable. Since some data exist regarding this pathway before remediation, air exposure will be addressed further in this public health assessment.
Soil/Sediment
The final completed exposure pathway is contact with contaminated soils and sediments on and immediately east of the site. Exposure routes through dermal absorption, dust inhalation, and ingestion are possible. However, it is unlikely that the presence of these contaminants adversely affects human health among residents in the area. This conclusion is based on the overall low levels of the compounds identified, the relatively isolated locations of the samples collected (within drainage ditches, in pond or stream sediments, sides or bottom of ravines, or inside manholes), and the lack of any potential sustained direct or indirect human contact or significant route of exposure (air, water, soil, or food).
The on-site sampling was limited and confined to sediment samples collected at seeps and the beginning of the middle tributary. While the concentrations are higher than off-site samples, and there is no doubt that the compounds have migrated off the site, it is difficult to assess this pathway further because of insufficient data.
Present and future exposure to contaminated soil and sediment should not be a concern since the leachate collection system has reduced the number of seeps observed on and off the site. In addition, a fence has been installed around the perimeter of the site to restrict access to unauthorized personnel. IDPH anticipates that once remediation is complete, natural processes will further cleanse off-site areas and reduce compounds to background levels.
Leachate
Exposure to leachate may occur off the site. Apparently, the current leachate collection system is not capable of handling the excessive quantities of leachate and storm water generated after heavy rainfalls. It is unlikely that the presence of the diluted leachate would adversely affect residents who might be exposed. However, it is difficult to assess this pathway further because there are no current leachate data available for VOC contamination.
B. Potential Exposure Pathways
The only potential exposure pathway identified at this site is contact with leachate that could
enter tributaries. This would only occur during rain events, and exposure to contaminants is
unlikely.
IDPH and ATSDR recognize that children are more sensitive to the toxic effects of most
chemicals. For that reason, IDPH evaluated children's exposures as well as adults when
determining if exposures to site contaminants were harmful. Those discussions are presented in
the following section of this document.
Introduction
In this section we will discuss the possible health effects in persons exposed to specific contaminants, evaluate state and local health databases, and address specific community health concerns.
To evaluate health effects, ATSDR has developed a Minimal Risk Level (MRL) for contaminants commonly found at hazardous waste sites. The MRL is an estimate of daily human exposure to a contaminant below which noncancerous, adverse health effects are unlikely to occur. MRLs are developed for each route of exposure, such as ingestion and inhalation, and for the length of exposure, such as acute (less than 14 days), intermediate (15 to 365 days), and chronic (greater than 365 days). ATSDR presents these MRLs in toxicological profiles, which are chemical-specific profiles that provide information on health effects, environmental transport, human exposure, and regulatory status. In the following discussion, ATSDR toxicological profiles for vinyl chloride, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, trichloroethane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and chlordane were referenced.
Vinyl Chloride
Past exposure to vinyl chloride occurred to persons who drank and bathed in contaminated well water. For adults, the estimated ingestion exposure dose slightly exceeded ATSDR's oral MRL of 0.00002 milligrams per kilogram per day (mg/kg/day) for chronic exposure to vinyl chloride (8). IDPH assumed that 100% of the vinyl chloride would be completely absorbed daily from the gastrointestinal tract. Because the exposure was so low, people are not likely to experience harmful health effects from the past use of the contaminated drinking water. Estimates of lifetime cancer risk suggested a low increased risk of developing cancer over a lifetime for adults. This estimated cancer risk assumed that exposure to adults would be every day for a total of 10 years. Since 1987, no resident has used contaminated water for domestic purposes.
Benzene
Some residents and ball players were exposed to benzene by inhalation. Before the city stopped the use of the site as a park (playground and 3 ball diamonds) in 1986, people were most likely exposed to some air levels of benzene on and off the site. Off-site benzene air levels should have decreased since an underground leachate collection system was installed in 1992. This installation has reduced the leachate seeps and groundwater migration off the site.
No comparison values exist for benzene; however, an approximation of the RfD can be made using the results of an animal inhalation experiment and a safety factor of 1,000. This includes a long-term lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for blood system changes such as anemia, lymphopenia, and bone marrow hypoplasia in mice (Snyder et al. 1980) (9). This LOAEL represents the lowest dose of a compound that produces an observable adverse effect in a particular living organism. The estimated RfD is about 0.02 mg/kg/day. The anticipated dose resulting from the inhalation of the contaminated air on and off the site falls well below this RfD. This anticipated dose also considered children (10 years old) play on the site 5 days a week for 40 weeks each year. IDPH assumed that at least 60% of the inhaled benzene was absorbed into the body. No apparent increase in cancer risk is expected with this exposure scenario.
Carbon Tetrachloride
Like benzene, people were potentially exposed to carbon tetrachloride on and off the site through inhalation. Neighborhood children playing on the site were most likely exposed at levels greater than other age groups. An approximation of the RfD was determined by using the results of some intermediate animal inhalation experiments (no chronic studies were available) and a safety factor (1,000-10,000). This includes a LOAEL for systemic changes (cirrhosis-liver disease) in rats (Adams et al. 1952) (10) and a LOAEL for neurological changes (narcosis) in humans (Heimann and Ford, 1941)(10). Hence, these data give a RfD range between 0.0009 and 0.0013 mg/kg/day. The anticipated dose resulting from the inhalation of off-site carbon tetrachloride levels falls at or below this range; however, the on-site anticipated dose exceeds this range slightly. IDPH assumed that at least 75% of the carbon tetrachloride inhaled was absorbed into the body (10). Estimates of lifetime cancer risk suggest no apparent increased risk for people exposed to off-site concentrations of carbon tetrachloride; however, a low increased risk for children to develop cancer over a lifetime might occur under the conservative exposure scenario given.
Chloroform
Currently, no chronic inhalation comparison value exists for this compound. To evaluate possible health effects of low level exposure, the following assessment was done. A chronic oral MRL of 0.01 mg/kg/day was used to derive an inhalation reference dose range for use in screening (11). This range is between 5.8E-4 (0.00058) mg/kg/day and 1.1E-3 (0.0011) mg/kg/day. An RfD is an estimate of a daily exposure to the general human population that is likely to be without a noticeable risk of harmful effects during a lifetime of exposure. This dose assumed 100% absorption of the compound and intermittent exposure to on-site concentration levels. No adverse health effects are expected from this exposure scenario.
Trichloroethene
Since there was no trichloroethene detected above any comparison values off the site, this evaluation only assesses intermittent exposure on the site. An inhalation no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 100 ppm (113 µg/m3) was reported for rats repeatedly exposed to this compound (12). The anticipated dose resulting from the inhalation of the air on the site falls below the calculated reference dose of 0.0423 mg/kg/day. There is no increased risk of developing cancer from intermittent exposure (approximately 50% of time) to detected on-site trichloroethene air levels.
Benzo(a)pyrene
This compound is one of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found on the site and is considered to have the highest carcinogenic potential. Hence, a discussion of it will serve for the other carcinogenic PAHs as well. The general population may be exposed to this compound through air pollution, tobacco smoke, and food sources. It can exist naturally throughout the environment.
Exposure to PAHs may have occurred in the past to persons who contacted sediment in the seeps caused by the site. For adults and children, the amount of benzo(a)pyrene dermally absorbed from sediment does not exceed ATSDR's oral chronic MRL. Therefore, noncancerous health effects are not a concern. This was based on the assumption that only 3% of the contaminated sediment is absorbed through the skin into the body (13).
Estimates of lifetime cancer risk using 1986 sediment sampling data suggested no apparent increased risk of developing cancer over a lifetime for children, and no increased risk of developing cancer over a lifetime for adults. IDPH assumed that exposure to children would be 12 years and adult exposure would be 30 years. These assumptions are very conservative since it is unlikely that exposure would be continuous throughout the year.
Chlordane
Past exposure to chlordane may have occurred through skin contact with contaminated sediments in leachate seeps. An estimate of long-term dermal exposure to chlordane was achieved by assuming 4.2% skin absorption and at least 50% exposure time (14). For adults and children, the estimated dermal dose did not exceed ATSDR's oral MRL of 0.00006 mg/kg/day for chronic exposure to chlordane. Because the level of exposure is so low, these people are not likely to experience harmful health effects. Estimates of lifetime cancer risk suggested no apparent increased risk of developing cancer over a lifetime.
Metals
Although past exposure to some heavy metals may have occurred through skin contact with the contaminated sediment, absorption through the skin is highly unlikely. No negative health impact is expected.
Bis(2-Chloroethyl)Ether
Exposure to bis(2-chloroethyl)ether may occur from leachate migrating to off-site tributaries. However, this potential exposure is limited to rainstorm events that overflow the leachate collection system. Limited sampling data suggest that diluted leachate is not likely to cause adverse health effects. Estimates of lifetime cancer risk suggest no apparent increased risk of developing cancer due to exposure to on-site concentrations of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether.
B. Health Outcome Data Evaluation
There was no identified site-specific adverse health outcome data related to this site. According to the local county health department, there are no records of studies that may have been done in the community. There are no plans to perform an evaluation of health outcome data because exposure was limited to only five residences and possibly some intermittent exposure to unidentified ball players, spectators, and trespassers. The small size of the exposed population would not provide any statistically significant data.
C. Community Health Concerns Evaluation
Community health concerns are addressed as follows:
Contamination was detected in private drinking water wells east of the site. However, this threat was eliminated by the extension of a chemical-resistant drinking water line to serve those residences living east of the site.
Surface water, sediment, and fish samples were collected from the Vermilion River, and the test results indicated no adverse impact. A variety of metals were present in the river sediment at concentrations considered normal in urban industrial areas. However, some water samples exceeded Illinois Water Quality Standard concentrations for iron and manganese. These concentrations were attributable, at least in part, to past leachate flow from the site. Nevertheless, over the short term, they did not appear to adversely affect the river. The operating leachate collection system should prevent any future migration of site contaminants into the river.
IDPH issues health advisories when a fish sample is confirmed to contain more than the allowable amount of pesticides or heavy metals. The small concentrations of chlordane found in the fish near the site did not warrant a health advisory.
In the past, air samples collected on and off the site showed that the highest levels of VOCs detected were associated with the on-site seep area. Samples taken directly over leachate seeps showed concentrations that might, under certain conditions, cause short-term health effects, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, and nausea. While the long-term health effects of breathing on-site contaminant concentrations are largely unknown, there is a slight chance for some hypersensitive individuals to develop chronic health problems. No apparent increased or low increased risk of developing cancer over a lifetime is expected from exposure to concentrations of contaminants found on the site. Presently, exposure to on-site contaminants has been reduced by restricting site access and installing a leachate collection system. The number of odor complaints has decreased.
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