PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
CENEX SUPPLY AND MARKETING, INCORPORATED
(a/k/a WESTERN FARMERS, INCORPORATED)
QUINCY, GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
CHILD HEALTH/DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS
ATSDR's Child Health Initiative recognizes that the unique vulnerabilities of infants and children deserve special emphasis with regard to exposures to environmental contaminants. Infants, young children, and the unborn might be at greater risk than adults from exposure to particular contaminants. Exposure during key periods of growth and development might lead to malformation of organs (teratogenesis), disruption of function, and even premature death. In certain instances, maternal exposure, via the placenta, could adversely effect the fetus. After birth, children might receive greater exposures to environmental contaminants than adults. Children are often more likely to be exposed to contaminants from playing outdoors, ingesting food that has come into contact with hazardous substances, or breathing soil and dust. Pound-for-pound of body weight, children drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more air than adults. For example, in the United States, children in the first 6 months of life drink 7 times as much water per pound as the average adult.29 The implication for environmental health is that, by virtue of children's lower body weight, given the same exposures, they can receive significantly higher relative contaminant doses than adults.
The scientific literature was reviewed to evaluate the likelihood of adverse reproductive or developmental health effects as a result of exposure to the site-related contaminants of concern. Estimated exposures were well below levels observed to cause adverse reproductive or developmental health effects for all of the contaminants evaluated.
HEALTH OUTCOME DATA EVALUATION FOR QUINCY
Health outcome data are investigated when the concentrations of the chemicals of concern are at levels where we might expect to find adverse health effects. WDOH evaluated all of the environmental sampling data collected to date at the Cenex site to assess the likelihood that persons living near the site would experience higher rates of disease. In high-dose animal studies, some of the contaminants of concern have been associated with specific cancers, such as renal pelvis cancer, thyroid tumors, and bladder cancer (see the Discussion section). However, under very conservative exposure scenarios (assuming exposure to the highest detected concentrations of all of the contaminants of concern at the site over many years), the total estimated increased lifetime cancer risk for children and adults was low; less than one additional cancer in a population of 100,000 persons exposed for many years. Using a more realistic exposure scenario (i.e., using surface soil contaminant concentrations instead of subsurface soil contaminant concentrations, where the levels were usually lower, and shorter, more realistic exposure durations), the potential for developing cancer is substantially less. There was no evidence that exposure to the chemicals at this site would result in other chronic health conditions.
Given the very low likelihood that anyone around the site would have experienced any long-term lasting adverse health outcomes, and the relatively small number of people potentially exposed to the site, it was not feasible to accurately assess any health impacts for this immediate area by using existing data sources such as the Washington State Cancer Registry. However, some residents have expressed strong concerns about cancer. For example, at a WDOH-sponsored Open House in Quincy in 1997, a number of residents were concerned that the population living near the site had experienced higher rates of cancer of the brain, breast, lymph, throat, colon, liver, kidney, bladder, lung and thyroid. Other noncancer health concerns were expressed by some area residents, and were addressed by WDOH in the Community Health Concerns section of the health assessment.
In response to the cancer concerns, data from the Washington State Cancer Registry were evaluated to determine if there were more cases of cancer among Quincy area residents (i.e., ZIP code 98848) than would be expected. To calculate the number of cases of each type of cancer that would be expected to occur in Quincy if the rate in Quincy was the same as the state as a whole, we calculated statewide cancer rates for each type of cancer within specific age groups for each gender. We then multiplied these rates by the number of people in Quincy in each of these gender and age groups. Finally, we added the results for all the gender and age groups together to obtain a total number of expected cases of that cancer. This analysis was carried out for the 24 major sites of cancer using all seven years of available data (i.e., 1992-1998). The cancer sites included: bladder, brain, breast (female), cervix, colorectal, endometrium, esophagus, Kaposi's sarcoma, kidney and renal pelvis, larynx, leukemia, liver, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung, melanoma of the skin, multiple myeloma, oral cavity and pharynx, ovary, pancreas, prostate, stomach, testes, and thyroid. In addition, we examined cancers of unknown primary site (i.e., cancers diagnosed at an advanced stage for which it was impossible to determine the site where the cancer began), all other cancers, and all cancers combined.
In a small community such as Quincy, the number of cancer cases from a specific site will be relatively small and will vary considerably from year to year. Even when several years of information are used, the observed number of cases will rarely be exactly equal to the expected number of cases. For some cancer sites there will be more cases than expected, for other sites there will be fewer cases than expected. These differences are sometimes due to the random variation in the number of cases seen each year. However, in other instances, the difference might indicate that there actually is a higher or lower rate of new cancer cases in the community than would be expected.
To determine whether the difference between the observed and expected number of cancer cases was due to random variation, we conducted statistical tests and computed p-values. The statistical test assesses how likely it is to have the observed number of cancer cases if the actual cancer rate in Quincy was the same as the state as a whole. The resulting p-value is an estimate of the probability of having the observed number of cases, or a number of cases which is even further from the expected number of cases based on the overall state average. If the p-value is 0.05 or less, we say the comparison is statistically significant, meaning there is evidence of a difference between the incidence of cancer in Quincy and the state average. If the p-value is larger than 0.05, we say there is no evidence of a difference in the cancer incidence.
By chance alone, we expect to see a p-value of 0.05 or less in about 1 out of every 20 statistical tests. Therefore, when we conduct many statistical tests, as in this analysis, we expect to see some "significant" p-values even if there is no real difference between cancer incidence in Quincy and the rest of the state. The smaller a p-value is, the stronger the evidence that there is a real difference between Quincy and the state average.
Overall, there were fewer total reported cases of cancer in Quincy during the 1992 to 1998 time period than would be expected in a community in Washington of the same size and age structure (Table 1). There were a higher number of cancers of "unknown primary site." These are cancers diagnosed at an advanced stage for which it was impossible to determine the site where the cancer began. Since these were different types of cancer, it is very unlikely that they would have had a common underlying cause. Many other cancer sites had fewer cases than expected, including Kaposi's sarcoma, liver, lung and bronchus, melanoma of the skin, and testes. Cancer rates for the other sites did not appear to be different than would be expected on the basis of Washington State rates.
This analysis used data for all residents living in the 98848 ZIP code, and, as such, the results do not specifically apply to just those residents living near the Cenex facility. Including residents who were not exposed to site contaminants can affect the analysis in two ways. First, the inclusion of unexposed persons in the study population might obscure an otherwise measurable cancer increase in the exposed population. However, measuring cancer in only the population who were potentially exposed (i.e., those living very close to the facility) greatly reduces the number of people in the analysis, making it very difficult to accurately estimate the expected number of cases or to interpret the comparison of the observed cases to the expected number. For example, in very small areas, it is difficult to accurately estimate the population for non-census years, and even one case of cancer may represent a statistically significant increase. Secondly, when people who do not live in the area of potential exposure have cancer risk factors not found in the exposed population, then an increase in cancer may be observed that is not related to exposure to the site. Given the low likelihood that anyone exposed to the site would have experienced any adverse health outcomes, and the problems in assessing cancer risk in situations where the potentially exposed population is very small, we do not feel that it is useful to conduct these analyses for an area smaller than the Quincy ZIP code.
Table 1: Cancer incidences reported and expected for the Quincy area (1992-1998)
| Cancer Incidence for
Quincy, WA (Zip Code 98848) |
Observed # of Cases | Expected # of Cases | p-values* | |||||||
| Primary Site Category | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1992-98 | 1992-1998 | 1992-98 |
| All Cancers | 29 | 39 | 29 | 31 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 233 | 275.5 | 0.01 |
| Bladder | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 11.8 | 0.20 |
| Brain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3.7 | 0.57 |
| Breast (female) | 5 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 44 | 42.5 | 0.74 |
| Cervix | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2.2 | 0.36 |
| Colorectal | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 28.2 | 0.09 |
| Endometrium | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7.0 | 0.16 |
| Esophagus | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2.7 | 0.27 |
| Kaposi's Sarcoma | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 0.74 |
| Hodgkins Lymphoma | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1.7 | 0.99 |
| Kidney and Renal Pelvis | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 6.0 | 0.09 |
| Larynx | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2.4 | 0.62 |
| Leukemia | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 6.8 | 0.65 |
| Liver | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.7 | 0.37 |
| Lung and Bronchus | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 38.1 | 0.05 |
| Melanoma of the Skin | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 15.3 | 0.06 |
| Multiple Myeloma | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3.0 | 1.0 |
| Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 10.3 | 0.68 |
| Oral Cavity and Pharynx | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6.5 | 0.22 |
| Ovary | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4.9 | 0.56 |
| Pancreas | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5.4 | 0.75 |
| Prostate | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 46 | 46.3 | 0.96 |
| Stomach | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3.6 | 0.59 |
| Testes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.2 | 0.22 |
| Thyroid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3.6 | 0.61 |
| Unknown Primary Site | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 5.6 | 0.01 |
| All Other Sites | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 15.2 | 0.50 |
* Two-sided p-values
An Open House was hosted by the Washington State Department of Health (WDOH) on April 23, 1997, to gather community health concerns related to the site. WDOH received comments from approximately 20 residents, including four whose primary language was Spanish. A Spanish-speaking interpreter documented concerns from those residents. Several residents attended the session, but did not comment. The following health concerns were heard:
1. Resident expressed concern about asthma. The resident also knows of three or four children with brain cancer and requested a door-to-door health survey.
A number of causative agents are known or suspected to trigger asthma, although the specific reasons can vary from person to person. Common triggers include infections, lung irritants, inherited factors, allergens, sinusitus, cigarette smoke, cold weather, and occupational and environmental irritants. Although exposures to some environmental contaminants might trigger a preexisting asthma condition, WDOH found nothing in the scientific literature that suggests exposure to the detected concentrations of site contaminants, in and of themselves, would cause asthma.
Brain cancers can have both environmental and nonenvironmental etiologies (causes). There is evidence to suggest a link between adult workers exposed to chemicals used in certain industries (vinyl, rubber production, oil refining, and chemical manufacturing), and an increased risk of developing brain cancer. Considerably less information exists about the causes of childhood brain cancers, particularly from environmental exposures. Some studies have suggested an association between increased incidences of certain brain cancers and exposure to pesticides by pesticide applicators, and in children living in agricultural areas.30, 31 After careful evaluation of the potential health effects from past exposure to Cenex site contaminants, brain cancer would not be expected. WDOH also studied the Washington State Cancer Registry to observe whether there was an increase in the number of brain cancers reported for the Quincy area compared to the number expected. Review of those data indicate that the number of brain cancers reported for the Quincy area were within the range expected for this time period (see Table 1).
On the basis of its evaluation of all available site-specific environmental and community health outcome data, WDOH determined that the site posed a low health risk and is not recommending a door-to-door health survey. At the request of one area resident, WDOH provided an application form for a health study shortly after the April 1997 WDOH-sponsored Open House. To date, ATSDR has no record of having received such an application.
2. A resident living on a farm indicated that aerial pesticide spraying occurs on fields surrounding his home, and is concerned about their cumulative effects on health. The resident had breast cancer and surgery in 1990. The resident's daughter and son-in-law also live on the property. The resident's daughter's baby was born with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. The resident also stated that their homes are ½ mile from the city's waste disposal area. The resident is also concerned that waste and urine from a feedlot might be contaminating the groundwater.
The primary purpose of this health assessment was to evaluate the potential health effects from exposure to site-specific contaminants. WDOH concluded that the site posed a low health risk due to previously elevated levels of some herbicides and pesticides in soil at the Cenex site. The risk was for persons assumed to be exposed through ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation to the most contaminated soil over many years. The site does not currently pose a health hazard.
The cause of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS) is unknown.32 Although some type of genetic origin is possible, no definite genetic pattern has been identified. There have been no consistent chemical or other environmental exposures reported during pregnancy for children born with RTS.
Exposures to pesticides from aerial application have the potential to pose a health risk, depending on the duration, type, and concentration of pesticides one is exposed to. WDOH was not provided specific information on the aerial pesticide exposures in question, and did not evaluate the associated health implications. The purpose of this health assessment was to evaluate potential health risks associated with exposure to contaminants from the Cenex facility, not to evaluate health risks related to areawide aerial pesticide spraying. For additional information concerning pesticide poisoning issues, contact Lynden Baum, manager of the WDOH Pesticide Investigation and Surveillance Unit (360-236-3361, or toll-free at 1-888-586-9427) can be contacted. The Washington State Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Compliance Unit, Yakima Branch (509-225-2640) and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Compliance Unit (509-886-6505) can be contacted for issues relating to pesticide application regulations and worker health and safety issues, respectively.
If the resident suspects the nearby feedlot or city waste disposal area are impacting the groundwater, WDOH recommends contacting the Grant County Health District to request an inspection. If residential wells are at risk, follow-up testing of the wells should be considered. WDOH is available to evaluate the results of any such testing.
3. Resident is concerned about the possibility of ambient chemicals in the air causing lung disease. The resident also asked whether there would be enough time to move people away from the site if there was a major problem. The resident asked about the types of chemicals in the ground. Resident is also concerned that the schools are too close to the surrounding chemical plants and if the plants can be moved away from the schools.
Lung disease can be caused by many factors (see WDOH response to question # 1, above). Ambient air sampling at the Cenex site, prior to installation of the soil vapor extraction (SVE) system, was limited. Only 1,2-dichloropropane and a small number of other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of concern that were present in Cenex site soil gas were tested. Air sampling conducted after the SVE system became operational has not detected 1,2-dichloropropane. Potential contribution of airborne contaminants originating from other facilities was not part of this health assessment. If additional ambient air sampling is conducted at the site, WDOH is available to evaluate the results. For the reasons described previously, WDOH recommended follow-up air sampling at the high school. This additional air sampling was done in August 2000, and no site-related contaminants, or other contaminants at levels of health concern, were detected. A follow-up indoor air sampling investigation was conducted inside the high school in fall 2001, the results of which also will be evaluated by WDOH.
In general, it is prudent to zone public institutions, such as schools and residences, away from industrial areas. WDOH recommends contacting the local or state agency responsible for emergency response in your area (most likely the Fire Department or Department of Ecology) regarding inquiries about the readiness of adjacent facilities to respond to accidental releases. Staff with the Department of Ecology's Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program routinely inspect hazardous waste generation and storage facilities. They can also be contacted for additional information, or to request a facility inspection.
The types and concentrations of contaminants detected in the ground, and the respective health comparison values, are listed in Appendix A of this report.
4. A resident stated that his wife and daughter have a recurring cough and that one of his daughters has asthma. Their young son has behavior problems. The resident wants to know what materials were dumped at the site, at what concentrations, and from what sources. Resident is concerned that Cenex built the site poorly and illegally and its record keeping and materials tracking was poor.
Based on the limited information provided by the commenter, WDOH cannot assess the reasons for the recurring coughs or behavioral problems. WDOH recommends asking your primary care physician about these conditions. The primary contaminants of concern released at the Cenex site were fumigants (primarily Telone), solvents, and pesticide/herbicide compounds. The reader can refer to the Background section of this report for a brief description of activities at the site that resulted in the contamination. The types and concentrations of contaminants detected are located in the data tables in Appendix A. The References section lists the primary documents available regarding the site investigation and cleanup, which are available for public review.
Cenex has acknowledged that past site activities have resulted in the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment. Cenex, with Ecology oversight, continues to evaluate and clean up the site. Guy Gregory, site manager with the Department of Ecology (509-456-6387), can be contacted for additional information about Cenex's past practices and record keeping.
5. Resident used to live near the Cenex site, has no health problems, and thought the announcement was alarming. Resident has no concerns and has seen no health effects.
Comment has been noted.
6. Resident has lived in Quincy for 30 years and used to live upriver from the Hanford reservation. Her husband died of cancer and a friend had lymph and kidney cancer. She wants to know if there is a connection with those cancers and site contaminants. Resident wants to know if there is a large number of cancers in the area.
After careful review and evaluation of all available site environmental sampling data, WDOH concluded that exposure to contaminants detected at the Cenex site are unlikely to result in chronic adverse health effects. Under a very conservative exposure scenario (ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact with the most contaminated soil over many years), WDOH estimated a low increased cancer risk. The reader can refer to the Discussion and Conclusion sections of this report for a more complete analysis of the health risks.
The reader can refer to the Health Outcome Data Evaluation for Quincy section of this report for a summary of cancers reported for the Quincy area, compared to the number of cancers expected.
This health assessment was intended to summarize the potential health impacts from exposure to
Cenex site contaminants only. The Department of Health's Hanford Health Information Network
(HHIN) was created to provide information on the known and potential health effects of the
radioactive releases from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, located in south central Washington
State. Although HHIN no longer exists, information and related links can be obtained by accessing
their Web site at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hanford/ 
. A December 2000 report summarizing the
Hanford Individual Dose Assessment Project titled "Final Report" is also available from WDOH's
Division of Radiation Protection.
There were a number of concerns expressed by some area residents about the possible health impacts as a result of contaminants detected at the Cenex site. This (the Community Health Concerns section) is a summary of all of the concerns, and WDOH's responses to the concerns.
7. Resident's office has been located 200 feet southeast of the site for the past 15 years. He has had sinus problems for the past 4 to 5 years and wants to know if dust exposure from the site could be the cause. The resident is also concerned about health risks of his employees, whether his property is contaminated, and is concerned that the contaminated soil piles at the site were not adequately covered.
After evaluating all available site environmental sampling data, WDOH concluded that the site posed a low health risk. WDOH noted the contaminated soil piles stockpiled on site after excavation occurred in 1997, and the fact that the cover was not 100% effective. The soil piles were taken to a licensed hazardous waste landfill in Roosevelt, Washington, in May 1997. Although concentrations of some contaminants in the excavated soil piles were elevated, they were only moderately elevated, and in and of themselves, would not be expected to result in sinus problems to exposed individuals. WDOH estimated dust exposures using an EPA particulate model. The results of this modeling effort indicated that exposure to contaminated dust generated at the site would not have posed a health hazard.
Cenex, under Ecology supervision, has investigated some properties to the south and southeast of the site, particularly to determine the nature and extent of off-site groundwater and subsurface soil gas contamination originating from the Cenex site. Groundwater contamination is the most serious environmental problem associated with the site, although there are currently no known exposures to the contaminated groundwater.
WDOH has evaluated the results of numerous soil, soil gas, groundwater, and air samples collected at various offsite locations, including the adjacent school property, Desert Electric facility, and a background site. WDOH is not recommending further off-site soil testing. However, because of community concerns, the presence of elevated levels of VOCs in the groundwater underneath the high school property, and the limited scope of the 1998 Quincy high school air sampling investigation, WDOH recommended more comprehensive follow-up air sampling at the high school. A more comprehensive indoor air quality study was performed at the high school in August 2000 using passive air sampling canisters (EPA Method TO-14). Method TO-14 is the standard procedure used for detecting and analyzing VOCs in air at low concentrations. No 1,2-DCP or other chemicals were detected in the samples at levels of health concern. WDOH and ATSDR recommended another round of indoor air sampling inside the high school to verify that site-related VOCs are not present at levels of health concern. This additional sampling was conducted in November 2001, the results of which will be evaluated in a separate health consultation.
8. Resident has worked at Quincy Junior High and is concerned that students and teachers are affected by the site. He wants to know what is being done and what the timeframes are for site cleanup?
Guy Gregory, site manager with the Department of Ecology, can be contacted for information concerning current site clean-up activities, and timelines for cleanup.
WDOH understands that the rinsate pond spray evaporation system, which operated at the site for a short time in the late 1980s, reportedly generated overspray which occasionally drifted onto the neighboring junior high school. Since no air sampling of the overspray was conducted during the operation of the spray system, measurement of the school exposures is not possible. However, based on the limited number of herbicide/pesticide compounds reported for the sludge (five), their generally low concentrations, the limited timeframe in which exposure would have occurred, a long-term health risk would not be expected. However, if junior high school students or staff have ongoing health concerns they feel are related to exposures from the overspray, WDOH recommends consulting with their primary care physicians. WDOH also can consult with Occupational Health physicians who specialize in the medical evaluation of environmental and occupational exposures to determine if a follow-up medical evaluation should be considered.
In early 1998, WDOH spoke with an employee of the junior high school regarding concerns he expressed about air quality there. Specific concerns included exposures to the rinsate pond overspray, the possibility of pesticides in the school's ventilation system, and diesel fume exhaust odors. The conversation was followed up with a letter in January 1998. Included with the letter was a list of Washington State private air quality consulting firms, indoor air quality guides, an exposure history guidance form, an Environmental Health Resource Directory, an application for additional Air Quality Tools for Schools kits, and additional indoor air quality references. WDOH also referred the employee to our program's indoor air quality specialist and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries consultative branch for additional information. WDOH has recommended follow- up ambient air sampling at the high school. Follow-up testing was conducted in August 2000, and no site-related chemicals were detected. ATSDR evaluated those results in a separate health consultation report, which was provided to the school, agency representatives, consultants, and others. Copies were also sent to the Quincy public library and city hall. Additional indoor air sampling was conducted at the high school in fall 2001.
9. Resident is concerned that little has been done, yet the site has been a known problem for a long time.
Numerous activities have occurred at the site since the early 1990s. The commenter can refer to the Background section of this report for a detailed list of those activities. Most recently (summer 2001), Cenex prepared a Remedial Action Workplan and Engineering Design documents which describe the cleanup actions, standards, and other requirements to be met at the site. Guy Gregory, the Ecology site manager, can be contacted at (509-456-6387) for information on current activities and timelines for cleanup.
10. Resident wants to know whether chemicals at the site could have caused his throat cancer. Wants to know if there is an exposure pathway and whether the site is currently safe. Resident is concerned about possible higher-than-normal cancer rates among potato plant workers near the Cenex site.
Exposure pathways were evaluated as part of the health assessment process, and are discussed in detail in the Discussion section of this report.
On the basis of the types and concentrations of contaminants detected at the site, throat cancer would not be expected to result from exposure. Since removal of the rinsate pond, fumigant tanks, and the most heavily contaminated soil, the site currently does not pose a health threat to site workers or residents.
WDOH was not provided the details of the potato plant workers' cancers, nor was WDOH provided any information about chemicals used at the potato plant to which employees might have been exposed. A detailed discussion of reported and expected cancer incidences for the Quincy area for various cancers is located in the Health Outcome Data Evaluation section of this report.
11. Resident expressed concerns about dust exposure to surrounding schools and residences. Resident is also concerned about whether there are adequate school evacuation plans due to the surrounding chemical plants. Resident is concerned about contaminated mist from site-spraying operations and about contaminated sludge spread onto a farm. Resident is concerned about EDB-contaminated water at the Nielson Trailer Park water system. Resident wanted to know which lab would analyze subsequent groundwater samples, and wants a door-to-door survey.
The commenter can refer to the WDOH response to
-- comment # 7 regarding estimated dust exposures from the Cenex site. Undoubtedly, windblown dust is generated from the Cenex site and numerous other area sources, including surrounding fields. This health assessment focused only on potential exposures to Cenex site-related contaminants.
-- comment # 3 concerning recommendations on contacts for inquiries about evacuation/emergency response. In general, it is prudent to have appropriate notification and evacuation plans in place in the event of an unplanned hazardous chemical release(s), particularly for facilities located near at-risk populations, such as residences and schools. WDOH recommends contacting the local fire department, school administrator, and/or Grant County Health District for facility-specific information.
- comment # 8 regarding the spray system that operated at the site for a short time in the late 1980s. Two case investigation reports were prepared by the Washington State Department of Agriculture; one in July 1991, and one in May 1992. The reports summarized the Department of Agriculture's investigation of Cenex sludge disposal on the farm property and are listed in the Reference section.
- comment # 14 in the Response to Comments section later in this report for information on the Nielson Trailer Park (now Country Corner) well. EDB was used extensively in the past as a soil fumigant and as a leaded-gasoline additive, and is occasionally detected in domestic well water in areas where it was used. Examples in Washington state include Thurston and Whatcom county.
Ecology can be contacted for information on the labs used to analyze the water samples. The commenter can refer to WDOH response to comment # 1 regarding the request for a health survey.
12. Resident is concerned about her health. She has colon and liver cancer and thyroid problems. Resident used to work at nearby potato plant. She wants to know the health problems of others in the area and local cancer rates compared to national rates.
The commenter can refer to Table 1 and the Health Outcome Data Evaluation section of this health assessment for a detailed discussion of specific Quincy area cancer incidences, compared to expected cancer incidences.
No information was provided to WDOH regarding potential chemical exposures of potato plant employees. Occupational exposures are regulated by the Department of Labor and Industries, although WDOH is available to assist in evaluating the results of any such exposure monitoring.
Cancer is the most common cause of death in Washington adults, aged 45 to 74. Be it breast, lung, or prostate, cancer of some form will likely strike 1 in 3 Washington residents in their lifetime. WDOH's 1997 Cancer in Washington report, released in late October 1999,summarizesdata on the state's 24 most common types of cancer. In 1997, there were 26,517 new cases of cancer overall. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, followed by prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer and melanoma.Lung cancer accounts for almost 30% of all cancer deaths in Washington State.
13. Resident's 28-year-old child has chronic fatigue syndrome and attended local schools. Resident's second child (18 years old) has chronic headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, and has twice had mono. He was tested and had elevated levels of aluminum. Their drinking water was tested and was high in nitrates, but not high in aluminum.
Currently, there is no known cause or a specific biological indicator for the illness commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome. An estimated 90% of mononucleosis cases are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus group. Most of the remaining cases are caused by certain other herpesviruses, particularly cytomegalovirus.33 Exposure to environmental chemicals is not a likely cause of mononucleosis. WDOH was not provided specific information about the elevated aluminum levels, although aluminum was not a contaminant of concern at the site.
Ingestion of drinking water containing nitrate at or above the federal drinking water standard (maximum contaminant level, or MCL) of 10 ppm might pose a health hazard for infants due to the risk of methemoglobinemia. A risk also exists for pregnant women drinking water that contains nitrate above the MCL. Although high nitrate levels were found in the shallow groundwater underneath the site, WDOH is not aware of any exposures to the contaminated groundwater.
14. Resident stated her horses became sick and died as a result of eating hay that was grown on the field where the Cenex rinsate pond sludge was spread. Resident had a bad cough while handling the hay and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
WDOH has reviewed two reports prepared by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which included a discussion of crop impacts after field application of the rinsate pond sludge (see WDOH response to comment # 11). Although one of the reports concluded that "the contents of the Cenex waste pond applied to the 100-acre circle had deleterious effects on plant growth," no evaluation was made on the potential impact the sludge application might have had on the horses. The reports are listed in the Reference section, and should be available for public review. Residual contaminants detected in the field soil samples included atrazine, chlorpyrifos, ethalfluralin, propachlor, dichlobenil, and trifluralin. The residual levels of these contaminants measured in the field soil at the time of the sampling were low (levels ranged from 0.001 ppm to 0.17 ppm--below health comparison levels for soil ingestion). Administrative penalties were issued to Cenex as a result of the sludge application.
WDOH was not provided with specific information (i.e., the levels of pesticides/herbicides in the hay), whereby an estimation of health risk could be made. As noted above, the residual levels of pesticides and herbicides measured in the field after the sludge application were quite low, suggesting that exposure would unlikely have resulted in adverse health effects. If the resident is still concerned about the health effects he or she feels might be related to handling of the hay, WDOH recommends contacting the resident's primary health care physician. The commenter can refer to the response to comment # 13 regarding chronic fatigue syndrome.
15. Resident wants to know when the site will be contained and cleaned
up and feels there has been inadequate community responsiveness. Resident owns
house "downwind" of the site and notes that a friend who passes by the site
is losing his hair. Resident does not like the groundwater testing procedures
and wants to know
-- if the tests were for specific chemicals;
-- the source of the "elevated levels of beryllium" found on
the site;
-- about winter runoff from the site.
Resident feels there is insufficient information available
to the public and wants a health survey conducted, especially for the migrant
population and a mobile home park near the high school. The resident also is
concerned about Hanford wastes in Quincy.
Ecology's site manager can be contacted for an update on current site activities and timeframes for cleanup. Since 1997, there have been numerous community Open Houses and meetings to update area residents about site investigation and cleanup activities. WDOH presented the findings of the preliminary health assessment at a public meeting in 1998. Notices were mailed out well in advance of the meeting.
WDOH could not find anything in the scientific literature which suggests that exposure to the types of contaminants found at the site would result in hair loss.
The groundwater testing procedures were conducted in accordance with an Ecology-approved sampling plan. The testing included the analysis of a broad range of chemicals that were known or suspected to be present at the site.
There were no elevated levels of beryllium detected at the Cenex site. An initial sample analysis report prepared in early 1996 indicated an elevated level of beryllium in a site soil sample. In a letter from Cascade Analytical (the lab that conducted the analysis) to the Department of Ecology dated March 14, 1996, the lab indicated there had been an error in the initial analysis. The error resulted from an electronic failure with the instrument used to analyze the sample batch. Subsequent analysis was conducted that indicated that the beryllium concentration was much lower than the initial analysis had reported. The corrected results were submitted to Ecology on May 15, 1996. WDOH evaluated all sample results, including the beryllium results. The highest concentration was from a sample collected by EPA in 1993. The concentration (1.39 mg/kg) was within the range of natural background concentrations for the area and does not pose a health threat.
The commenter can refer to WDOH's response to comment # 1 regarding the health survey. WDOH is not aware of Hanford wastes in the Quincy area in general, or at the Cenex site, in particular. WDOH evaluated the results of all environmental samples collected during the site investigation. This report summarizes the public health findings.
16. Resident has lived in Quincy since 1956, has no health problems, wants to know if there is still a problem with the site, and the status of the cleanup.
Comment noted. Since removal of the fumigant storage tanks, rinsate pond, and contaminated soil/sludge, the site has not posed a direct contact health threat. Most of the remaining contamination is in the shallow groundwater underneath the site, where exposure is not occurring. A public health hazard would exist only if people were to become chronically exposed to the contaminated groundwater. Groundwater cleanup is being addressed as part of the overall site cleanup plan. The commenter can contact the Ecology site manager regarding the status of the cleanup. Because of the limited scope of the 1998 high school air sampling investigation, WDOH has recommended more comprehensive follow-up air sampling investigations there. The first of these samplings was conducted at the high school in August 2000, and no site-related contaminants were detected. A second follow-up indoor air investigation occurred in late 2000. The results of this investigation will be evaluated by WDOH.
17. Resident is concerned about pesticides getting into the drinking water and is concerned about soil and air exposure to pesticides. Also, the resident wants to know how contaminated the site is, why the site is so close to the school, how long it will take to clean it up, and how the site might affect the family.
Per requirements of the Washington State Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), Ecology directed Cenex to investigate and clean up the site because of the threat to human health and the environment. Pesticide contamination was one of the concerns, and was evaluated during the Remedial Investigation. Although numerous pesticide/herbicide compounds were detected in site soil and rinsate pond sludge samples, none were detected in the shallow groundwater (although other contaminants were detected in groundwater). WDOH determined that, on the basis of the types and concentrations of some elevated pesticides/herbicides detected in site soil samples prior to the 1997 soil removal, a theoretically very low increased cancer risk existed for persons assumed to be chronically exposed. The reader can refer to the Discussion section of this report for a detailed summary of the health risks.
On the basis of the types and concentrations of contaminants detected in site soil, WDOH is not recommending air sampling for pesticides. Since the last version of the health assessment, WDOH conservatively estimated pesticide exposures using a dust inhalation model (see Appendix A), and concluded that exposures would have been below levels of health concern (see previous responses regarding dust). WDOH has offered to review and evaluate any air sampling plans, air dispersion model results, or air sampling test results which Cenex, other agencies, or individuals might wish to develop and collect.
WDOH does not know the reasons for citing the schools in their current locations. Quincy's Planning/Zoning Department is probably the best source of information on this.
No VOCs (the primary class of contaminants of concern detected in site groundwater) were detected in the most recent Quincy well samples. The owner/operator of the resident's water system can be contacted for the most current water testing information. WDOH is available to evaluate the results of such tests.
18. Resident wants to know whether the rash on her daughter's neck is related to the site. The resident also wants to know the concentration of contaminants in the groundwater and if her son, who attends the school, might be exposed to the site contamination. The resident wants the site cleaned up and wants to be assured that her family will not be harmed.
Maximum groundwater contaminant concentrations are summarized in Table A5 of this report. Groundwater testing since then has revealed similar contaminant concentrations.
Some laboratory studies have shown that rodents exposed to high concentrations (much higher than levels detected at the site) of some of the detected contaminants developed redness and/or skin sensitization. Trifluralin, for example, might produce allergic reactions in certain people at high concentrations. However, skin contact with even the highest levels of contaminants found at the site would not be expected to result in skin rashes.
Although it is possible that exposure to site contaminants occurred by means of periodic fugitive dust emissions from the Cenex site, on the basis of the results of the particulate model discussed previously, WDOH does not believe a health threat existed.
Since 1997, under an Ecology Order, the site has undergone extensive investigation and cleanup. The Remedial Action Workplan addresses additional planned site remedial actions.
19. Resident is concerned that his school-aged children are being exposed to the site and that chemicals from the site could contaminate the drinking water.
Past releases of chemicals at the site did contaminate the groundwater, although the groundwater in the area of contamination is not believed to be used as a source of drinking water. Residents in the area obtain their water from Quincy municipal wells, which, to date, have not been impacted by the site. Under an Ecology Order, Cenex has been directed to clean up the site, including the contaminated groundwater. The commenter can refer to WDOH's previous responses concerning exposures at the adjacent schools. Groundwater, soil gas, and indoor air samplings have been conducted on the high school property. The initial, limited 1998 air sampling investigation revealed the chemical 1,2-DCP in the staff lounge, and was evaluated in this health assessment. Because of the limited scope of that investigation, WDOH recommended more comprehensive air sampling at the high school. A more complete indoor air quality study was performed at the high school in August 2000, and no 1,2-DCP was detected. A similar, follow-up indoor air investigation was conducted in November 2001.
20. Resident wants to know if her renal problems are related to site contaminants, wants to know the levels of site contaminants, and wants to know whether her drinking water is contaminated. She also wants to know if her family's health is at risk from site contaminants and whether the contaminants could affect pregnancies. She has had two miscarriages and wants the site cleaned up and moved out of the area.
The levels of site contaminants are summarized in Appendix A of this report. Those contaminants found at levels that required further evaluation by WDOH are highlighted in the data tables, and are discussed in the report.
WDOH was not provided with a water sample analysis report for the commenter's well, so cannot evaluate the results. Extensive groundwater testing in the immediate vicinity of the Cenex site has revealed substantial shallow groundwater contamination (predominantly volatile organic compounds and nitrate). However, after extensive records searches, followed by field investigations, WDOH and the Grant County Health District were unable to locate any private wells being used for domestic purposes in the impacted area. If the commenter is concerned about possible well contamination, WDOH or the Grant County Health District can provide the names of certified testing laboratories. WDOH is available to evaluate the results of any such tests.
After careful evaluation of available environmental sampling results, WDOH concluded that chronic noncancer health effects (such as kidney or liver disease) are unlikely to result from exposure. Adverse reproductive or developmental health effects also would not be expected. Under a very conservative exposure scenario (assuming long-term ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation of the most contaminated soil), WDOH estimated there was a theoretically slight increased chance of developing cancer.
The site is being cleaned up under the provisions of Washington state's hazardous waste cleanup law (MTCA). Although WDOH can recommend actions to protect public health, WDOH has no regulatory authority regarding Cenex's future plans.
21. Resident lived in Quincy from 1969-96, including locations near the site, and has renal cell carcinoma. She currently works at Simplot and feels there are an unusually high number of rare cancers in the community.
The commenter can refer to previous WDOH responses and the Health Outcome Data Evaluation section of this report concerning cancer incidences reported for the Quincy area. The Ecology site manager can be contacted to request any available environmental sampling information for the Simplot facility.
22. A resident is concerned about a substance he and school kids ran through and inhaled. The substance had a salty/acidic taste and was on their arms, face, and clothing. He is concerned that the school's ventilation system lets in diesel fumes and is concerned about the drinking water.
A rinsate pond spray evaporation system operated for a short period of time at the Cenex site in the late 1980s. Reportedly, overspray from that system periodically migrated toward the school and came into contact with staff and students for a short period of time during track. Although a single rinsate pond sample was collected and analyzed, rinsate spray samples were not. As a result, WDOH cannot measure the exposures to which the commenter refers. The commenter can refer to WDOH response to question # 8 for further discussion.
The Department of Labor and Industries can be contacted if there is reason to believe there is a chronic indoor air problem at the school. If vehicles are responsible for the diesel exhaust, the school should consider simply having the vehicles park in a different location. (i.e., further from ventilation intakes). Tim Hardin, an indoor air specialist with the Department of Health (360-236-3363), can be contacted for additional information. Indoor Air Quality: Tools for Schools Action Kit provides useful information and additional contacts on indoor air quality issues. Tim Hardin can be contacted for information on how to obtain copies.
State drinking water regulations require the school's drinking water to be tested periodically. It is WDOH's understanding that the school uses water supplied by the city's municipal wells. To date, there is no evidence that these wells have been impacted by the Cenex groundwater plume.
23. Resident's father has liver problems, Alzheimer's disease, bladder cancer, nerve and heart damage, bronchial asthma, and a hernia. He worked at the site for about 1 year in 1976. Resident cannot find records of chemicals her father was exposed to while he cleaned the inside of pesticide tanks. He had a chemical injury in 1976, but resident states that many of her father's medical records are gone.
WDOH is not routinely provided with employee medical records, nor has WDOH been provided with the details of the employee's workplace exposure. Employers are required to provide access to employee medical records. Without proper respiratory and skin protection, the potential for significant chemical exposures while cleaning the inside of pesticide tanks is significant. Under existing state and federal Occupational Health and Safety, and Employee Right-to-Know laws, employees are entitled to know the types and hazards of the chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace. Chemical-specific Material Safety Data Sheets are one such source of information. If the potential exists for significant workplace exposures, employers are also required to provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment. The employee should contact the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (Compliance Branch), if he feels there were health and safety violations. If more detailed occupational exposure data is provided that suggests a workplace hazard exists(ed), WDOH can work with the Department of Labor and Industries and consult with occupational health physicians who specialize in the medical evaluation of environmental and occupational exposures to determine if a follow-up medical evaluation should be considered.
WDOH evaluated all Cenex site environmental sampling data, and concluded that exposures to site contaminants were not at levels expected to result in the kinds of health effects the resident described.
24. Resident's family is healthy and feels there is unsubstantiated blame by the media and inaccurate information being communicated by the media and some residents about the site.
Comment noted.
Follow-up indoor air sampling was conducted in November 2001. The results will be evaluated in a separate health consultation.
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) outlined below for the Cenex site is a description of actions already taken, and actions planned. The purpose of the PHAP is to ensure that this health assessment not only identifies public health hazards, but provides a plan of action designed to prevent or mitigate adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment.
Actions taken by Cenex, Ecology, and EPA
Actions taken by WDOH and ATSDR
Paul Marchant
Washington State Department of Health
Office of Environmental Health Assessments
Site Assessment Section
Designated Reviewer
Robert Duff, Manager
Site Assessment Section
Office of Environmental Health Assessments
Washington State Department of Health
ATSDR Technical Project Officer
Debra Gable
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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