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1. ATSDR > Public Health Assessments & Consultations

PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
CPS CHEMICAL/MADISON INDUSTRIES
OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND OTHER HAZARDS

The tables in this section list the contaminants of concern. NJDOH evaluates these contaminants in the subsequent sections of the Health Assessment to determine whether exposure to them has public health significance. NJDOH selects and discusses these contaminants based upon the following factors:

• Concentrations of contaminants on and off the site.

• Field data quality, laboratory data quality, and sample design.

• Comparison of on-site and off-site concentrations with health assessment comparison values for (1) noncarcinogenic endpoints and (2) carcinogenic endpoints.

• Community health concerns.

In the data tables that follow under the on-site Contamination subsection and the off-site Contamination subsection, the fact that a contaminant is listed does not mean that it will cause illness or injury if exposures occur. Instead, the list specifies contaminants that will be further evaluated in the public health assessment.

The Data tables include the following acronyms:

CREG	= ATSDR Cancer Risk Evaluation Guide
EMEG	= ATSDR Environmental Media Evaluation Guide
RMEG	= Reference Dose Media Evaluation Guide, calculated from EPA's reference dose (RfD).
LTHA	= USEPA's Lifetime Health Advisory
NJ MCL	= NJ Maximum Contaminant Level
PPB	= Parts Per Billion
PPM	= Parts Per Million
ND	= Not Detected

ATSDR health assessment comparison values are contaminant concentrations in specific media that are used to select contaminants for further evaluation. These values include Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs), Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs), and other relevant guidelines. CREGs are estimated contaminant concentrations based on a one excess cancer in a million persons exposed over a lifetime. CREGs are calculated from EPA's cancer slope factors. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) represent contaminant concentrations that New Jersey or a Federal regulatory agency, eg. EPA, deems protective of public health (considering the availability and economics of water treatment technology) over a lifetime (70 years) at an exposure rate of 2 liters of water per day. MCLs are regulatory concentrations. EPA's Reference Dose (RfD) is an estimate of the daily exposure to a contaminant that is unlikely to cause health effects.

The environmental contamination section includes sampling data from a variety of media sources including: groundwater (monitoring wells and municipal wells); surface water; surface soil; subsurface soil; and sediments.

A. On-site contamination

Environmental data for the CPS/MI site was gathered from several sources. The site consists of two separate active facilities and the Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for each is being done separately. For the CPS Chemical portion of the site the June 18, 1993 (Revised, January 4, 1994) Phase I RI and December 8, 1994 Phase II RI was used. For Madison Industries, the February 1, 1994 (with 4/28/94 addendum) RI was used. In addition, the most current groundwater data was extracted from the last two Performance Monitoring Quarterly Reports; 1) Report No. 14 (August 31, 1994, revised January 13, 1995), which deals with volatile organic contamination; and 2) Quarterly Report No. 15 (November 30, 1994), dealing with metals contamination.

Surface and Subsurface Soils

Madison Industries

Recent soil sampling data for Madison Industries, RI, February 1, 1994 (with 4/28/94 addendum) confirmed that the surface and subsurface soils beneath the site are contaminated with several metals. High levels of cadmium (maximum level 69.8 mg/kg), copper (maximum level 2,180 mg/kg), lead (maximum level 17,400 mg/kg), and zinc (maximum level 38,400 mg/kg) were detected in the soils.

CPS Chemical

As noted in the December 8, 1994 Phase II RI, the soil beneath the CPS Chemical portion of the site is contaminated, mostly with volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Eleven (11) soil samples, at various depths, were collected to help characterize the site. These samples were from beneath the cement/asphalt cover that was installed between 1977 and 1978.

A total of eight VOC's were detected in the unsaturated zone of the soil. Acetone (4.4 and 25 ppb), benzene (11 ppb), chlorobenzene (4.6 to 1,600 ppb), 1,2-dichloroethylene (total) (5 and 15 ppb), ethylbenzene 4.1 to 42 ppb, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (10 ppb), toluene (2.4 to 330 ppb), and xylenes (total) (8.2 to 50,000 ppb).

Six Base Neutral Compounds (BN's) were detected at low concentrations at the CPS facility. The compounds found include; bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (100 to 5,600 ppb), butylbenzyl phthalate (180 ppb), di-n-butyl phthalate (220 ppb), di-n-octyl phthalate (56 to 270 ppb), and 1,2,4-tichlorobenzene (320 to 11,000 ppb).

Fourteen metals were detected in the soil at the CPS facility including: aluminum, arsenic, cadmium calcium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, nickel, vanadium, and zinc. Many of these are known to occur naturally in the area.

Surface Water and Sediments

Madison Industries

Surface water and sediment were included in the sampling data for Madison Industries, RI, February 1, 1994 (with 4/28/94 addendum). On-site surface water and sediment contamination at MI are associated with Prickett's Brook, an intermittent brook that bisects the property. The sides of the brook are bermed to prevent contaminants from entering it from surface soil or rainwater runoff. Despite all efforts, some contamination continues to enter the brook on-site, possibly via dust or groundwater discharge.

Four sediment samples were taken on-site from 0.0 to 0.5 feet below grade. The results of the sampling showed that the sediments are contaminated with several metals. High levels of cadmium (maximum level 34 mg/kg), copper (maximum level 7,060 mg/kg), lead (maximum level 1,340 mg/kg), and zinc (maximum level 14,500 mg/kg) were detected.

A single surface water sample, on-site (just where the brook passes under the western fence), was collected. The results of the sampling showed that the surface water is contaminated with low levels of copper (0.206 ppm) and zinc (0.744 ppm).

CPS Chemical

In 1972, the course of Prickett's Brook was redirected where it previously divided the CPS facility. An artificial stream channel was constructed around CPS's southern property line. No data on surface Water and Sediment were analyzed during either the Phase I or Phase II RI's for CPS Chemical.

Groundwater

Madison Industries

On-site groundwater data for Madison Industries (MI) was taken from Quarterly Report No. 15 (November 30, 1994). These data indicate that the shallow and deep aquifers beneath MI continue to be contaminated with several heavy metals. The wells showing the heaviest contamination are located on the northwestern side of the facility, specifically wells RW-6, RW-3 and MI-2 (Figure No. 3). These wells are also very close to the former location of the micronutrient fertilizer/hazardous waste storage pile. The metals of concern detected in the groundwater analysis were cadmium, lead, and zinc. The results of the sampling are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. On-Site Groundwater Contamination, Madison Industries, September, 1994.

^* Source: Performance Monitoring Program, Quarterly Report No. 15 (November 30, 1994).

CPS Chemical

The assessment of the groundwater quality beneath the CPS Chemical facility has been conducted through groundwater sampling (Phase I and Phase II RI) and by hydropunch sampling (Phase II RI). Groundwater from approximately 10 monitoring wells and 32 hydropunch samples were used to characterize the water. As a result, the contamination has effectively been delineated both horizontally and vertically. The results indicated the location of a contaminant hotspot under the blacktop in the vicinity of Tank Farm 1 through 4 and Tank Farm 5. The hotspot is elongated towards the southwestern edge of the property. A contaminant plume caused by the hotspot extends to off-site locations. The most contaminated on-site groundwater is located in the southwest corner of the site (WE-2 and WE-2R) (Figure No. 3).

In an additional investigation of possible soluble organic contamination in site groundwater, 9/21/93, the NJDEP found detectable levels of ethylene glycol and two other glycols in an on-site monitoring well (WE-2).

The most recent on-site groundwater data for CPS Chemical was taken from the December 8, 1994 Phase II RI and is summarized below in Table 2.

Table 2. On-Site Groundwater Contamination, CPS Chemical.

B. Off-site contamination

Environmental data for the CPS/MI site was gathered from several sources. For the CPS Chemical the June 18, 1993 (Revised, January 4, 1994) Phase I RI and December 8, 1994 Phase II RI was used. For Madison Industries the February 1, 1994 (with 4/28/94 addendum) RI and the Draft Phase II RI Report (May 31, 1995) were used. In addition, the most current groundwater data was extracted from the last two Performance Monitoring Quarterly Reports; 1) Report No. 14 (August 31, 1994, revised January 13, 1995), which deals with volatile organic contamination; and 2) Quarterly Report No. 15 (November 30, 1994), dealing with metals contamination.

Surface and Subsurface Soils

As noted during the last NJDOH site visit (3/1/95), there are several areas of stressed vegetation near the site which appeared to receive runoff water from the undeveloped parts of the MI property. Limited sampling was preformed during a December 1992 investigation of one of these stressed areas located just northwest of the Madison Industries property line. Off-site soil samples were taken at three locations is the area of stressed vegetation, specifically, three surface samples (0.0-0.5 ft.) and six subsurface (5.0-5.5 ft. and 8.0-8.5 ft.). The results of this sampling were inconclusive. Only one sample of surface soil (0.0-0.5 ft.) showed elevated levels of cadmium (1.6 mg/kg). The rest of the samples contained levels well within allowable range.

Additional sampling was performed during the Phase II RI Report (May 31, 1995). Fourteen samples were taken, seven surface (0.0' to 0.5') and seven sub-surface (1.5' to 2.0'). The following compounds were detected in surface samples (maximum): cadmium (30.6 mg/kg); lead (188.0 mg/kg); copper (415.0 mg/kg); and zinc (462.0 mg/kg).

Surface Water and Sediments

Contaminated groundwater appears to be discharging to the southern reach of Prickett's Brook and the northern portion of Prickett's Pond. The contamination measured in surface water and sediment is possibly a combination of discharge from contaminated groundwater and surface run-off.

The most recent monitoring of surface water contaminants (November 1994). A total of nine surface water samples were collected from the Phase II off-site study area. Elevated levels of cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc were detected all along Prickett's Brook to Prickett's Pond. The highest concentrations of metals were generally found in Prickett's Brook near where the brook exits the Madison Industries property. The following compounds were detected at this location: cadmium (103.0 µg/l); copper (817.0 µg/l); lead (64.1 µg/l); and zinc (35,000.0 µg/l).

Sediment samples taken during December 1994 showed that the sediments in each area were contaminated with metals. A total of 17 sediment samples were collected from the Phase II off-site study area. Specifically, the maximum concentrations in Prickett's Brook were found to be: cadmium (1.0 mg/kg); copper (37.5 mg/kg); lead (10.0 mg/kg); and zinc (182.5 mg/kg). The maximum concentrations detected in Prickett's Pond were: cadmium (8.5 mg/kg); copper (1140.0 mg/kg); lead (359.0 mg/kg); and zinc (2,550.0 mg/kg).

Groundwater-Monitoring Wells

As noted in the aforementioned discussion regarding on-site contamination, CPS/MI site consists of two separate active facilities each with a distinguishable source of contamination. Specifically, MI is the source of an off-site metal (mostly zinc) contamination plume and CPS Chemical is the source of a contaminant plume that has extended about 2,600 feet south-southwest to a municipal water supply well (PA-6) for the City of Perth Amboy (Figure 4). Approximately 80 monitoring wells have been used to characterize the plume movement from this site. The following discussion uses the most recent groundwater data taken from selected monitoring wells, at various downgradient locations. Because of the distinct nature of the two plumes, they are discussed separately below.

Madison Industries

Madison Industries has used numerous monitoring wells to characterize the contaminant plume downgradient of the facility. The tables below represent the data from a few of these wells that show contaminant levels at various distances from the facility. The contamination has moved towards Perth Amboy supply well number 5 (PA-5), which was shut down due to zinc contamination (Figure 4).

Groundwater collected from monitoring wells near the western property line of Madison Industries (MI) have the highest level of metal contaminants from off-site wells. Table 3 contains data from wells PA-A and PA-B which are between 100 and 200 feet from MI. The zinc level in PA-B was 21,000 ppb.

Table 3. Groundwater Contamination, Off-Site Monitoring Wells, Madison Industries, September 1994.

^* Source: Performance Monitoring Program, Quarterly Report No. 15 (November 30, 1994).

Monitoring wells WCC-14 and RW-2 are downgradient from MI approximately 625 and 1,200 feet, respectively, from the on-site well with the highest level of contamination (RW-6). Table 4 contains data from these wells. The zinc level in RW-2 was 1,250 ppb.

Table 4. Groundwater Contamination, Off-Site Monitoring Wells, Madison Industries, September 1994.

^* Source: Performance Monitoring Program, Quarterly Report No. 15 (November 30, 1994).

Monitoring wells RW-5 and DW-12 are among the furthest downgradient wells sampled for the September 1994 Quarterly Report No. 15. They are close to two of the Perth Amboy supply wells (PA-5 and PA-6) and just north of Tennent Pond (Figure 3). It is interesting to note that while the more eastern well RW-5 shows about the same level of zinc contamination as the wells further north (e.g., RW-2) ; the wells close to PA-5 such as DW-12 (9,000 ppb Zn) and KA-1S (16,000 ppb Zn), show increasing levels of zinc (Table 5). This indicates that there is possibly another source of zinc contamination. The most likely sources are surface waters in Prickett's Brook and Pond.

Table 5. Groundwater Contamination, Off-Site Monitoring Wells, Madison Industries, September 1994.

^* Source:Performance Monitoring Program, Quarterly Report No. 15 (November 30, 1994).

CPS Chemical

As with Madison Industries, CPS Chemical has installed numerous monitoring wells to characterize the contaminant plume downgradient of their facility. The contamination has moved steadily towards Perth Amboy supply well number 6 (PA-6). Eventually, in 1990, low concentrations of chlorobenzene were found at Perth Amboy supply well number 6.

The tables below represent data from a few of these wells that show contaminant levels at various distances from the facility. The samples collected for the first table (Table 6) were collected from the closest downgradient off-site wells from CPS Chemical. The wells (WCC-12 and PA-B) are located just west of the Madison Industries property line. Benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, and chlorobenzene were detected.

Table 6. Groundwater Contamination, Off-Site Monitoring Wells, CPS Chemical, June, 1994.

Monitoring wells WCC-16VS and RW-2 are located approximately 1,200 and 1,500 feet, respectively, from the CPS on-site well with the greatest VOC contamination (WE-2). The results of the sampling (Table 7), show these wells to be contaminated with higher levels of benzene (36 ppb and 7 ppb) and chlorobenzene (550 ppb and 110 ppb).

TABLE 7. Groundwater Contamination, Off-Site Monitoring Wells, CPS Chemical, June, 1994.

J- Estimated concentrations of analyte which is present but at a concentration less than the stated detection limit.
^*Source: Performance Monitoring Program, Quarterly Report No. 14 (August 31, 1994, revised January 13, 1995).

Table 8 shows the results of sampling from the recovery well (RW-5) located approximately 500 feet northwest of Perth Amboy supply well number 6. Benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, and chlorobenzene were detected.

TABLE 8. Groundwater Contamination, Off-Site Monitoring Wells, CPS Chemical, June, 1994.

J- Estimated concentrations of analyte which is present but at a concentration less than the stated detection limit.
^*Source: Performance Monitoring Program, Quarterly Report No. 14 (August 31, 1994, revised January 13, 1995).

Groundwater-Municipal Wells

The Perth Amboy public water supply wells have been affected by the contaminants from this site. Volatile organic compounds (VOC's) were first detected in Perth Amboy Well # 6 in 1990. A review of results of weekly sampling of raw water by the Perth Amboy Department of Municipal Utilities (Well #5 and Well #6) revealed that benzene and chlorobenzene were present in low concentrations. These VOC's were present in a range of 1.3 to 3.8 and 2.0 to 20.3 ppb, respectively. However, only chlorobenzene was detected at a maximum concentration of 2.3 ppb in treated water and is below the MCL of 4 ppb. Perth Amboy well #5 is utilized as a backup supply and is not currently in service.

The maximum concentration of benzene detected at Well No. 6 (raw water) was 4.8 ppb on February 5, 1992.

A review of the most recent raw water data from Perth Amboy Well # 6 (3/3/95 to 4/13/95) shows only Chlorobenzene detected (0.6 ppb) (Table 9).

Perth Amboy Well #6 is in use, fitted with an air stripper to reduce VOC concentrations. In addition, the treated water is blended with water from other supply wells to further reduce contaminant levels. A review of the last several weekly tests of water from this well following air stripping (3/3/95 to 4/13/95), show all VOC's sampled for were not detected or below the detection limit of 0.5 ppb, before being blended into finished water.

TABLE 9. Groundwater Contamination, Perth Amboy Supply Well #6 (Raw Water), March 1995.

^* Source: City of Perth Amboy Water Department. Report of Analysis, Volatile Organic Compounds.

In addition to groundwater investigations for VOC's and heavy metals threatening the Perth Amboy Supply Wells, the issue of soluble organics was a significant concern. An initial study done by Trillium, Inc (August 31, 1992) for Perth Amboy, tentatively identified finding two or three water soluble organic chemicals in the cities finished water. They also detected four water soluble organic chemicals in raw water from Perth Amboy Supply Well No. 6. The water soluble organic chemicals found in the municipal well were not exactly the same as those found in the raw water. In fact, only one chemical, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, was tentatively identified in both samples. All of these chemicals were only tentatively identified and, therefore, these compounds have not been verified or had their concentrations quantified. It is important to note that soluble organic chemicals are generally not removed during the air stripping process.

Since the 1992 Trillium Report, the NJDEP has done an extensive amount of work to delineate the soluble organic contamination at the site. This work involved developing a laboratory method to analyze for soluble organics since no approved method existed. After two methods of analysis were developed, various monitoring wells from the CPS property downgradient towards Perth Amboy Supply Well No. 6 were sampled and analyzed. None of the targeted soluble organics were detected on the Runyon Watershed property. Monitor well WE-2, located on the CPS property and in a VOC "hot spot", revealed detectable levels of ethylene glycol and two other glycols. All of the soluble organic contamination found is within the capture zone of the existing ground water recovery system.

Perth Amboy Supply Well No. 5 was placed on standby in November, 1992. Zinc has been detected in this well in excess of 5 ppm. Zinc concentrations (greater than 5 ppm) continue to exist in two distinct locations: at and in the vicinity of the Madison Industries site; and a second area in the vicinity of Supply Well No. 5, the former Perth Amboy sludge disposal areas, and the lower portion of Prickett's Pond as shown in Figure 3. Since 1991, wells sampled in the Perth Amboy watershed have exhibited a constant decreasing trend in zinc concentrations.

C. Quality Assurance and Quality Control

In preparing this Public Health Assessment, ATSDR and NJDOH rely on the information provided in the referenced documents and assumes that adequate quality control measures were followed with regard to chain-of-custody, laboratory procedures, and data reporting. The validity of analysis and conclusions drawn for this health assessment is determined by the availability and reliability of the referenced information.

D. Physical and Other Hazards

The site contains several physical hazards. On-site buildings are guarded by security personnel, however, any trespassers entering the area would be at some physical risk due to the hazardous materials and old equipment stored on site. The perimeter of Madison Industries is completely fenced and most of CPS Chemical is fenced to prevent unauthorized access. There are no known or suspected radiological or biological hazards associated with the site.

E. Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Data

The NJDOH conducted a search of the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) in an attempt to identify any possible facilities that could be contributing to the environmental contamination near the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site. The TRI is compiled by USEPA and is based on estimated annual releases of toxic chemicals to the environment (air, water, soil, or underground injection) provided by certain industries.

The TRI search for the years from 1987 to 1992 did not list any reported emissions of chemicals that could contribute to or be confused with the contamination caused by the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site.

PATHWAYS ANALYSIS

To determine whether nearby residents are exposed to contaminants migrating from the site, NJDOH evaluates the environmental and human components that lead to human exposure. This pathways analysis consists of five elements: (1) a source of contamination; (2) transport through an environmental medium; (3) a point of human exposure; (4) route of human exposure; and (5) an exposed population.

NJDOH classifies exposure pathways into three groups: (1) "completed pathways", that is, those in which exposure has occurred, is occurring, or will occur; (2)"potential pathways", that is, those in which exposure might have occurred, may be occurring, or may yet occur; and (3) "eliminated pathways", that is, those that can be eliminated from further analysis because one of the five elements is missing and will never be present, or in which no contaminants of concern can be identified. A summary of potential pathways for the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site are listed in Table 10.

Contaminant Fate and Transport

Site characteristics and various physical controls either implemented or recommended, are presumed to have a significant impact on the fate and transport of contaminants for the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site. These include soil characteristics, the effect of pavement, surface-water and groundwater interactions, geology of the Old Bridge Sand Aquifer, and the variety of pumping/artificial recharge scenarios.

Contaminated soils can be a continuous source of contamination to both surface water and groundwater. The relatively shallow water table increases the mobility of contaminated soil. In addition, the relatively permeable nature of the soil augments the leachability of the contaminants.

Paving of the CPS/MI facility was an effort to decrease the volatilization of VOC's, and inhibit surface water infiltration. In addition, the runoff catchment structures associated with the pavement have the ability to collect contaminated runoff and discharge them to the municipal sewer system.

The fate and transport of contaminants in Prickett's Pond is influenced by the interaction of surface water and groundwater, and is dependant upon whether surface water recharges the ground water system or serves as a groundwater discharge area. In either case, contaminated surface and groundwater both constitute environmental pathways of concern.

A. Completed Pathways

From the information available, the primary completed human exposure pathway is associated with past exposure to contaminated groundwater. Site related contamination of municipal supply wells by VOC's has been documented.

Groundwater: Municipal Wells

The Perth Amboy public water supply wells have been affected by the contaminants from this site. Review of results of weekly sampling of raw water by the Perth Amboy Department of Municipal Utilities revealed that benzene and chlorobenzene were present in low concentrations in Well #5 and Well #6. These were present in a range of 1.3 to 3.8 and 2.0 to 20.3 ppb, respectively. However, only chlorobenzene was detected at a maximum concentration of 2 ppb in treated water and is below the NJ MCL of 4 ppb. Perth Amboy well #5 is utilized as a backup supply. Perth Amboy Well #6 is in use, fitted with an air stripper to reduce VOC's and with its water blended with that from other supply wells to reduce contaminants below NJ MCLs. Based on conversations with the Perth Amboy Department of Municipal Utilities and a review of available past water analysis reports, there is no evidence that finished water has ever contained any contaminants at concentrations above the NJ MCL's or the ATSDR comparison values for these chemicals. Past, present and future human exposure to site related VOC's has been interrupted by treating the raw water through air stripping and blending.

Former and current workers at the CPS/MI site have probably been exposed to heavy metals through the ingestion of dusts and other small particles in the air and on work surfaces in and outside of the buildings. This exposure pathway is particularly true for the Madison Industries portion of the site. Former and current workers at the CPS portion of the site may have been exposed to VOC's released to the air from operations and several known spills. Because both sites are currently operating, it is possible that future worker exposure pathways to contaminants will continue to exist.

B. Potential Exposure Pathways

From the information available the primary contaminated media of concern associated with potential human exposure pathways are surface water, sediments, on-site and off-site soils and air. Potential human exposure pathways associated with these media are contact with the surface water and sediments of Prickett's Pond, and contact with on site soils by trespassers and employees. Table 10 summarizes the potential human exposure pathways of concern at the CPS/MI site.

Table 10. Potential Exposure Pathways

Name	Source	Environmental Media	Point of Exposure	Route Of Exposure	Exposed Population	Time
Prickett's Brook and Prickett's Pond	CPS Chemical Madison Ind.	Surface Water Sediments	Brook Water	Dermal	Employees	Past / Present
On-Site Soils	CPS Chemical Madison Ind.	Surface Soils	Facility Grounds	Dermal Inhalation	Employees	Past / Present Future
Air Release	Waste Pile	Ambient Air	Site Environs	Dermal Inhalation	Employees Residents	Past
Municipal Wells	CPS Chemical Madison Ind.	Groundwater	Domestic Use	Ingestion Dermal Contact	Perth Amboy South Amboy	Past / Present Future

Groundwater: Municipal Wells

The tentative identification of soluble organic compounds at Supply Well # 6 (Trillium, Inc., August 31, 1992) has introduced the possibility of an exposure pathway to these compounds in the past, present and future. Since the Trillium Report, however, the NJDEP has done an extensive amount of work to delineate the soluble organic contamination in groundwater at the site. None of the targeted soluble organics were detected on the Runyon Watershed property. Monitor well WE-2 revealed detectable levels of ethylene glycol and two other glycols. All of the soluble organic contamination found is within the capture zone of the existing ground water recovery system.

Soluble organic compounds (because of low relative volatility) would not be removed by the air stripping process, and may pass through to the finished water. Exposure pathways for groundwater are ingestion of and dermal contact with contaminants in the home. The population at risk of exposure to site related contamination are defined as the residential community supplied by the wells (eg. Perth Amboy and South Amboy).

Surface Water and Sediments

The potential for exposure to contaminated surface waters both on-site and off-site is of potential public health concern. Off-site exposure can occur by either direct dermal contact, fishing, swimming in Prickett's pond, or accidental ingestion of contaminants. The surface waters that have been impacted (Prickett's Brook and Pond) are not known to be used for recreation or potable purposes. Direct contact with contaminated surface water and sediments is possible if trespassing occurs. Trespassing appears to be uncommon. The contaminated areas are remote from any residences or populated areas.

Air

The metal sludge piles on-site, which were contaminated with heavy metals, were removed from the site in August 1995. Any past migration off-site (hydraulically and atmospherically) could have caused adverse impact on off-site soil and other surface media, and may have posed a potential risk of exposure to humans (residents and employees) through inhalation and dermal contact.

There are no data regarding contaminated fugitive dust that may have come from these piles before they were covered or removed. Under current site conditions (e.g., piles have been removed), the inhalation pathway for contaminated fugitive dust is less of a public health concern for off-site areas.

Employees and nearby residents may be exposed to fugitive VOC's and dusts from the current manufacturing operations of the two companies. These exposures are from the active portion of the site and are potentially significant.

C. Eliminated Pathways

Groundwater: Residential Wells

According to the NJDEP there are no private potable wells in use which have been impacted by the site. In addition, it is very unlikely that the local health department would allow future residential wells in the contaminated aquifer.

Soil

There are several areas of stressed vegetation near the site which appeared to receive runoff water from unimproved areas MI property via rain channels. Trespassers on these stressed areas site are unlikely to come in contact with site contaminants at levels of health concern. Further analysis into the cause of these areas of stressed vegetation is currently underway and results will be included in the final Phase II RI Report.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

A. Toxicologic Evaluation

This section contains discussion of the health effects in persons exposed to specific contaminants, evaluations of State and local databases, and address specific community health concerns. Health effects evaluations are accomplished by estimating the amount (or dose) of those contaminants that a person might come in contact with on a daily basis. This estimated exposure dose is then compared to established health guidelines. People who are exposed for some crucial length of time to contaminants of concern at levels above established guidelines are more likely to have associated illnesses or disease.

Health guidelines are developed for contaminants commonly found at hazardous waste sites. Examples of health guidelines are the ATSDR's Minimum Risk Level (MRL) and the USEPA's Reference Dose (RfD). When exposure (or dose) is below the MRL or RfD than non-cancer, adverse health effects are unlikely to occur.

MRLs are developed for each type of exposure, such as acute (less than 14 days), intermediate (15 to 364 days), and chronic (365 days and greater). ATSDR presents these MRLs in Toxicological Profiles. These chemical-specific profiles provide information on health effects, environmental transport, human exposure, and regulatory status.

The toxicological effects of the contaminants detected in the environmental media have been considered singularly. The cumulative or synergistic effects of mixtures of contaminants may serve to enhance their public health significance. Additionally, individual or mixtures of contaminants may have the ability to produce greater adverse health effects in children as compared to adults. This situation depends upon the specific chemical being ingested or inhaled, its pharmacokinetics in children and adults, and its toxicity in children and adults.

Groundwater Pathways

The Perth Amboy public water supply wells have been affected by the contaminants from this site. Based on conversations with the Perth Amboy Department of Municipal Utilities and a review of available past water analysis reports, there is no evidence that finished water has ever contained any contaminants at concentrations above the NJ MCL's or the ATSDR comparison values for these chemicals. In addition, because of treatment and blending of raw water, it is unlikely that current residents will be exposed to VOC's at concentrations above these values.

The following toxicological analysis is based on a worse case scenario that residents of Perth Amboy and South Amboy were to be exposed to untreated water from Perth Amboy Supply Well # 6.

Benzene

Site data indicate benzene was present in untreated municipal water supplies at a maximum concentration of 4.8 ppb. Since 1970, when contamination of Perth Amboy's municipal wells was first documented, an unknown number of residents may have been exposed to low doses of benzene by using contaminated water supplies for drinking and other domestic purposes. It is impossible to accurately determine affected households and specific contaminant levels due to the nature of the municipal water supply system which involves mixing, treating, and distribution of various wells. Exposure dose assessment assumes that adults and children were exposed to the maximum concentration detected to ensure a conservative risk analysis.

Based upon maximum levels of benzene detected in municipal wells impacted by the site, exposure doses were below the "no observed adverse effect level" NOAEL for ingestion exposure of chronic duration cited in the ATSDR Toxicological Profile for benzene. At such concentrations non-carcinogenic adverse health effects are not likely.

Benzene is classified by the USEPA as a class A (known human) carcinogen. The lifetime excess cancer risk (LECR) for adults and children associated with the oral exposure route at the site presents insignificant or no increased risk of cancer. The cancer risk associated with benzene exposure at the site may be interpreted by the following scenario. If one million (1,000,000) persons were exposed to the maximum detected concentration of benzene through ingestion of contaminated water for 25 years, at most two additional cases of cancer may occur in 70 years. For the residents of Perth Amboy who may have been exposed to the maximum concentration of benzene in their drinking water, it is therefore unlikely that they will develop cancer as a result of their exposure.

Chlorobenzene

Site data indicate that chlorobenzene was present in untreated municipal water supplies at a maximum concentration of 20.3 ppb. Since 1970, when contamination of Perth Amboy's municipal wells was first documented, an unknown number of residents may have been exposed to low doses of chlorobenzene by using contaminated water supplies for drinking and other domestic purposes. It is impossible to accurately determine affected households and specific contaminant levels due to the nature of the municipal water supply system which involves mixing, treating and distribution of various wells. Exposure dose assessment assumes that adults and children were exposed to the maximum concentration detected to ensure a conservative risk analysis.

Based upon maximum levels of chlorobenzene detected in municipal wells impacted by the site, exposure doses were below the "no observed adverse effect level" NOAEL for ingestion exposure of chronic duration cited in the ATSDR Toxicological Profile for chlorobenzene. At such concentrations non-carcinogenic adverse health effects are not likely.

Lifetime excess cancer risk values for chlorobenzene were not calculated. The ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Chlorobenzene did not indicate potential carcinogenic effects in humans following oral exposure to chlorobenzene. Furthermore animal data cited in the Toxicological profile suggested no association between oral exposure to chlorobenzene and carcinogenic effects.

B. Health Outcome Data Evaluation

Because of the completed exposure pathways which existed at the site, and the community concern regarding the possibility of adverse health outcomes among households which experienced well contamination, review of appropriate health outcome data for this site was initiated.

The New Jersey Cancer Registry (NJCR) was used for the ascertainment of cancer cases in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. The Cancer Registry, operated by the New Jersey Department of Health, is a population based cancer incidence registry including the entire State of New Jersey. By law, all individuals with newly diagnosed cancers are reportable to the registry. In addition, the registry has reporting agreements with neighboring states, (New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) where information on New Jersey residents which is diagnosed in those states will be supplied to the NJCR. The NJCR has been operational since October 1, 1978.

The study period for this investigation was January 1 1979 through December 31, 1991. A "case" was defined as an individual who resided in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and was diagnosed with a new primary malignant cancer during the study period. The information for each newly diagnosed case available from the NJCR is limited. The basic source is documented information from the patient's medical record. The collected information includes demographic data regarding each patient and medical data on each cancer. Variables used to analyze the incidence of cancer in the study area include: name, address at time of diagnosis, state municipality code, census tract code, primary cancer site, histology type, date of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, date of birth, race, sex, and NJDOH registry identification number.

Information on other risk factors such as occupational exposures or personal lifestyle habits are not available in the abstracted medical information used in this evaluation. The potential risk factors that cannot be accounted for in the study design may vary significantly within the study area, or relative to the State as a whole.

A cancer analysis was completed for select cancer types within the study area. These types included, all cancers, brain and CNS, liver, leukemia, and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These cancer types were selected for review because of the nature of the contaminants found in the Perth Amboy supply well. Males and females were evaluated separately. All races were combined in the analysis.

Analysis of the cancer incidence was completed using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). The SIR is calculated by dividing the observed number of cancer cases by the number of cases expected. The expected number of cases are determined on the presumption that the incidence rates for the entire state of New Jersey would prevail in the population surveyed.

Evaluation of the observed and expected numbers is accomplished by interpreting the ratio of these numbers. If the observed number of cases equals the expected number of cases, the SIR will equal one (1.0). When the SIR is less than one it is concluded that fewer cases were observed than expected. Should the SIR be greater than one, it is concluded that more cases than expected were observed. Statistical significance in this investigation was evaluated using a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Table 11 presents the total number of cancer cases by cancer type for the period of 1979 to 1991. The next table (Table 12) presents the findings of the health outcome data (SIR) analysis. The observed number of total cancer cases in Perth Amboy was not found to be elevated in comparison to the number of cases expected for this population based upon average incidence rates for the State.

Based on Cancer Registry information, it appears that Perth Amboy as a whole does not have an unusual occurrence of cancer over the time period surveyed.

TABLE 11. CANCER INCIDENCE, PERTH AMBOY, 1979 - 1991.

Table 12. Standard Incidence Ratios (SIR), Comparison of Observed and Expected Cancer Incidence, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, 1979 - 1991.

* SIR - Standardized Incidence Ratio of Observed and Expected Number of Cancers (Age Standardized).

** 95% Confidence Interval (C.I.). There is only 5% likelihood that the SIR is actually outside of this interval. If the C.I. includes 1.0, then the SIR is not considered to be significantly different from 1.0 using conventional definitions of "statistical significance."

@ SIR is significantly lower than expected, p < 0.05.

C. Community Health Concerns Evaluation

The community health concerns associated with the CPS/Madison Industries site focus upon the following issues: groundwater contamination particularly by volatile organics and heavy metals, their impact on public supply wells, occupational health issues regarding on-site workers, and release of acid fumes.

The treating and blending of potable water has temporarily eliminated concerns from exposure to groundwater contaminants via affected public supply wells. However, the community is concerned about potential contamination as the groundwater plume is being evaluated. The reported increase in zinc levels has raised concerns about continuing pollution. Toxicological evaluation did not indicate estimated exposure doses where adverse health outcomes would be expected. Further estimated lifetime excess cancer risk was not significant, and review of the NJCR data did not indicate an above normal cancer incidence rate for Perth Amboy.

The CPS/Madison Industries site is an active facility. Hence, the health impacts of past occupational exposure to zinc, lead, cadmium, benzene and other site contaminants of concern are unclear and difficult to quantify at this time. The site will be referred to an appropriate Occupational Agency for evaluation.

Acid fume releases were of concern in 1979. Citizens reported an incident of crop and car paint damage. A follow-up investigation revealed an accidental discharge from CPS chemicals of a mixture of methanol and water and smaller amounts of dimethyl adipate. CPS agreed to pay for the damages. This release was a singular incident which may have posed a health hazard when it occurred. There are no data or information regarding the incident for toxicological evaluation. There have been no additional releases or additional community concerns about air quality since the time of the release.

Community health concerns regarding the removal of the large hazardous waste piles on the northwestern side of the Madison Industries property has been addressed. According to the DEP (personal communication) the pile had been completely removed by the middle of August 1995.

Community health concerns regarding the presence and potential health effects from soluble organics being found in the groundwater at the site have be addressed. While the presence of these compounds has been confirmed on-site, none of the targeted soluble organics were detected on the Runyon Watershed property. All of the soluble organic contamination found is within the capture zone of the existing ground water recovery system. In addition, the NJDEP has abandoned plans to recharge treated groundwater into the Runyon Watershed aquifer.

The ATSDR and the NJDOH will review and evaluate any community health concerns which may arise. Current remedial work at the site and the release of this public health assessment may generate interest among the public during the public comment period. Any comments received will be addressed in a subsequent responsiveness summary.

Public Comment Period

A public comment period for the Public Health Assessment for the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site was conducted from May 17, 1996 to June 17, 1996. The Public Health Assessment was placed in local repositories to facilitate commentary and reaction from the public at large.

A summary of commentary received by the NJDOH and associated responses are contained in Appendix B.

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