PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
A. O. POLYMER
SPARTA TOWNSHIP, SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
Appendix A: A.O. Polymer Site Map
A.O. POLYMER SITE MAP
This response summary represents those comments and reactions to the public health assessment received during the Public Comment Period described in the Community Concerns Evaluation section (March 28, 1994 to April 29, 1994). Comments were received from Health Officer, Township of Sparta and Mr. Harry Broderick representing Citizens for Quality Environment. Comments and concerns have been grouped by content where possible and are followed by the consequent response.
"Throughout the report, the fire that occurred in 1993 is repeatedly reported. This fire was a very small environmental incident as compared to the numerous environmental violations that has occurred over the years. Too much emphasis is placed on the fire."
All the facts regarding the extent of and damage caused by the fire at the site were not known. This report has been modified to accurately reflect the impact of fire on site.
"This document is titled as an addendum to the 1990 health assessment. Since this document in itself is a complete report, and since the 1990 health assessment is totally outdated, this document should replace the 1990 document."
The NJDOH/ATSDR agree – all references to this document being an addendum to the 1990 health assessment have been deleted.
"Throughout the report solvents are listed as the only materials poured on plastic sheets and allow to volatilize. Other chemicals were also poured onto the sheets."
This report has been modified to reflect this comment/concern.
"It is stated that 75 containers did appear to be an explosive hazard. This is not correct. The containers gave evidence to contents that were flammable."
This report has been modified to reflect this comment/concern.
The Health Officer stated that you could "see soil discoloration and (an) off-odor in the soil". This is incorrect. During the fire these observations were not made. However, during other site visits, these statements are correct.
This report has been modified to reflect this comment/concern.
The population of Sparta Township is 15,000 according to the 1990 Census.
Response
This report has been modified to reflect this comment/concern.
Comment
Information is stated regarding exposure to soil and potential concern to children. In the paragraph proceeding this statement the soil samples were taken at 10 feet below grade. How is there an exposure pathway to children.
Response
Appropriate changes were made in this report. However, not all the soil samples were collected from 10 feet below grade. Soil samples were also collected from a depth of 0.5 to 2.5 feet, which showed low levels of contamination with PAHs.
Comment
It is unclear as to what "clean fill" means. Is reference made to the fill placed into the old lagoon? This "clean fill" is not contaminated according to information supplied Sparta Health Department. Is "clean fill" referenced to existing soil throughout A.O. Polymer site? This term needs to be qualified. The soils surrounding the A.O. Polymer buildings generally have been subjected to spillage from plant operations for many years.
Response
Appropriate changes were made in this report to make it clear that the use "clean fill" is reference made to the clean soil filling placed into the old lagoon.
"I am pleased to see that the report verified that there is no off-site health risk for the continued use of Station Park and/or the Sparta High School. Your findings reconfirm all of the other studies of the properties and data collected that have reached this same conclusion. With respect to the recommendations, I have the following comments:"
Comment
Multiple comments were received from Mr. Harry Broderick representing Citizens for Quality Environment.
Response
These comments were reviewed and added to the official file for this public health assessment.
