PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
HORSESHOE ROAD
SAYREVILLE, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
On the basis of the information reviewed, the ATSDR and NJDOH have concluded that the Horseshoe Road Site currently constitutes an indeterminate public health hazard. Except for the comprehensive study of the on-site surface soil, there are no other significant environmental data available to make a determination regarding completed human exposure pathways.
Areas of the site, particularly of the western edge and the Horseshoe Road Dump section, remain accessible to trespassers. These are areas of documented on-site soil contamination and potentially contaminated surface water flows off the site through these unsecured areas. Based on available information, recurrent trespassers at the site are not likely to be exposed to contamination at concentrations sufficient to constitute a public health hazard.
Health risks can be estimated for the potential exposure pathway associated with a recurrent trespasser at the site. Based upon the maximum concentration found outside the fenced areas at the site, the lifetime excess cancer risk (LECR) associated with oral exposure to PCBs, DDT and arsenic ranged from no apparent to insignificant risk of cancer to recurrent site trespassers, ingesting 200 mg of soil. Similarly, the exposure doses calculated at these concentrations were at the no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for PCBs and below the NOAEL for DDT and arsenic.
The full extent of the surface soil (0-3"), sediment, and surface water contamination in the area has not been delineated; contamination may extend into "off-site" soils.
The site is distant enough from the closest occupied residences (> 1/2 mile) that the proposed remedial activities should not pose a threat to public health.
All residents and businesses in the area are currently connected to municipal water supply. However, the use of potentially contaminated groundwater for non-potable domestic or industrial purposes is not known and may represent a potential health risk. The existence and location of private wells, which may be influenced by the site, should be confirmed and their potential for contamination reviewed, if necessary.
Although no data were available on surface water and sediment contamination, is likely the site is and has caused the release of site related contaminants to the Raritan River. The site may contribute to an overall degeneration of water quality and biota contamination of the Raritan River in the region of the site.
The following information is needed to fully and adequately evaluate the public health impact of the Horseshoe Road Site:
HEALTH ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDATION PANEL
(HARP) RECOMMENDATIONS
The data and information developed in the Public Health Assessment for the Horseshoe Road, Sayreville, New Jersey, site have been evaluated by ATSDR's Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) for appropriate follow-up with respect to health activities. The panel determined that no follow-up health actions are indicated at this time. However, the Panel recommends that further access restrictions be placed around contaminated areas to prevent any potential exposures to trespassers.
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the Horseshoe Road Site contains a description of the actions to be taken by ATSDR and/or NJDOH at or in the vicinity of the site subsequent to the completion of this Public Health Assessment. 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 mitigate and prevent adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. Included, is a commitment on the part of ATSDR/NJDOH to follow up on this plan to ensure that it is implemented. The public health actions to be implemented by ATSDR/NJDOH are as follows:
A. Public Health Actions Taken
B. Public Health Actions Planned
ATSDR will reevaluate and expand the Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) when needed. New environmental, toxicological, health outcome data, or the results of implementing the above proposed actions may determine the need for additional actions at this site.
The Preliminary Public Health Assessment for the Horseshoe Road site was prepared by the New
Jersey Department of Health under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and
procedures existing at the time the preliminary public health assessment was initiated.
Gregory V. Ulirsch
Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation (DHAC), ATSDR, has reviewed this
Preliminary Public Health Assessment and concurs with its findings.
Richard Gillig
for Division Director, DHAC, ATSDR
Preparer of Report:
ATSDR Regional Representative:
ATSDR Technical Project Officer:
Any questions concerning this document should be directed to:
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