BATAVIA LANDFILL
BATAVIA, GENESEE COUNTY, NEW YORK
To evaluate if a site poses an existing or potential hazard to the exposed or potentially exposed population(s), the site conditions are characterized. This site characterization involves a review of sampling data for environmental media (e.g., soil, surface water, groundwater, air), both on- and off-site, and an evaluation of the physical conditions of the contaminant sources or physical hazards at and near the site which may pose an additional health risk to the community or receptor population(s).
Contaminants selected for further evaluation are identified based upon consideration of the following factors:
The selected contaminant(s) are evaluated in the Public Health Implications section (Toxicological Evaluation) of the Public Health Assessment (PHA) to determine whether exposure to these chemicals is of public health significance.
The On-site Contamination and the Off-site Contamination subsections include discussions of sampling data for environmental media; summary tables of sampling data are presented in Appendix 2. A listed contaminant does not necessarily mean that it will cause adverse health effects from exposure. If a chemical is selected for further evaluation in one medium, that contaminant will be reported in all media, where it is detected.
Tables 1-4 (Appendix B) summarize sampling data for groundwater, surface water, sediment, subsurface soil and waste material. Elevated levels of VOCs and metals were found in all on-site media that were sampled. Monitoring at the site began in 1980 with the collection of groundwater samples. In 1982, additional groundwater samples were collected from the on-site monitoring wells. During the RI which began in 1985, samples were collected from all media on-site, except air, and also from residential and municipal wells (see Off-Site Contamination section). Eight sampling rounds were conducted between September 1985 and July 1988 with additional groundwater and sediment samples collected in 1991.
Groundwater
During the RI three on-site water bearing zones were evaluated. The three zones included the upper fill/soil or perched zone, the lower soil zone, and the upper bedrock zone. Confining layers exist between each water bearing zone; however, the layers are not continuous over the entire site and groundwater migration between each water bearing zone is likely. This interaction between zones is evident by the distribution of on-site groundwater contamination (see Table 1). Groundwater samples were collected from the forty on-site monitoring wells and were analyzed for VOCs, semi-volatile organic compounds, pesticides/polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals. VOCs and metals were found in all water bearing zones, with the upper fill/soil and lower soil zones showing the highest levels of contamination. Contamination by VOCs in these zones was as high as 13,000 micrograms per liter (mcg/L) and metal contamination was as high as 661,000 mcg/L. In the upper bedrock zone, VOCs were at levels up to 96 mcg/L and metals at levels up to 96,300 mcg/L.
Subsurface Soil and Waste Material
Subsurface soil and waste samples were collected and analyzed for VOCs, semi-volatile organic compounds, pesticides/PCBs and metals (see Table 2). Although contamination is not confined to specific areas on-site, the highest concentrations of contaminants were found in two areas at depths of 3.5 feet and greater. VOCs were found primarily at the northern part of the site where buried drums were found. Chromium and lead were also found at elevated levels in the buried drum area. The highest levels of metal contamination were found at the eastern side of the site in the magnesium/chromium waste pit area. A test boring in the center of the site showed barium to be elevated. The waste materials are covered.
Surface Water and Sediment
Surface water (unfiltered) and sediment samples were collected from drainage ditches around the perimeter of the site and from areas of ponded water on-site. Surface water contaminants were found in ponded water at the west side of the site. VOCs were at levels up to 240 mcg/L and metals at levels up to 19,800 mcg/L (see Table 3). Sediment contained VOCs at levels up to 0.52 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), total phenols at levels up to 5.3 mg/kg, and metals at levels up to 31,200 mg/kg (see Table 4). Contaminants selected for further evaluation are identified with an asterisk.
Groundwater
Off-site groundwater samples were collected on eight different occasions between December 1982 and January 1992 (Table 5). The Village of Oakfield municipal wells and the trailer park nearest to the site were sampled in 1982 by a private consulting firm. The samples were analyzed for 113 organic priority pollutants. Total phenols and trichlorofluoromethane were reported in these groundwater samples; however, those contaminants have not been found in subsequent samples. During the RI, groundwater samples were collected from the Village of Oakfield municipal wells, the trailer park and thirteen residential wells and analyzed for VOCs, semi-volatile organic compounds, pesticides/PCBs and metals. VOCs were found at concentrations up to 240 mcg/L and iron was found at levels exceeding New York State groundwater quality standards (see Table 5). The NYS DOH collected off-site groundwater samples in May 1989, August 1991, October 1991, and January 1992. Groundwater samples were collected from the Village of Oakfield municipal wells, two trailer parks and forty-five residential wells and analyzed for VOCs. One residential well sample contained 1,1,1-trichloroethane at 6 mcg/L which exceeds the NYS DOH's drinking water standard; no other well contained contaminants above New York State standards. The New York State and federal drinking water standards and guidelines are presented in Table 6.
Surface Water and Sediment
In March and July of 1988 surface water and sediment samples were collected from Galloway Swamp where it borders the site to the north and east. The majority of the surface water contaminants (see Table 3) were found in samples from the part of the Galloway Swamp which borders the site on the north. VOCs were present in concentrations up to 12,000 mcg/L and metals in concentrations up to 1,570,000 mcg/L. The sediment contaminants (Table 4) were primarily found in samples collected from the Galloway Swamp. VOCs were found in concentrations up to 2.3 mg/kg and metals in concentrations up to 362,000 mg/kg.
C. Quality Assurance and Quality Control
In preparing this public health assessment, ATSDR and NYS DOH rely on the information in the referenced documents and assume that adequate quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures were followed with regard to chain-of-custody, laboratory procedures, and data reporting. The validity of the analysis and conclusions drawn for this public health assessment is determined by the completeness and reliability of that information.
A summary of the field QA/QC procedures, a general description of sample collection procedures and chain-of-custody forms were included in the draft remedial investigation report. The laboratory data quality, including all laboratory QA/QC procedures, data validation and data reporting, was not included in the report. However, it is assumed for the purposes of this public health assessment that the data provided for review are of acceptable quality.
During a site visit in 1985, drums were seen on the landfill surface and scattered about the site. About 55 drums were in the center of the site, about 80 drums were along the western boundary of the site and about 14 drums were along the northern boundary of the site. In October 1991, 632 drums (mostly empty) were removed from the surface of the site and transported to permitted facilities for disposal. With the exception of a gate to restrict vehicular access, there are no other barriers to restrict access to the site. However, the likelihood of unauthorized access is minimal because of the remote location of the site.
One hazard associated with the Batavia Landfill site is methane in landfill gas. Methane can migrate through porous media as soil gas and enter confined building spaces (basements) through crawl spaces, plumbing holes, other floor holes (e.g., sumps) and foundation cracks. The potential for methane to collect in a confined space is of concern as this condition may result in a flammable/explosive atmosphere and hence be a safety problem. Monitoring of ambient air on-site and at nearby residences has not been performed to determine if methane and other site related contaminants are present at levels which could present a health risk.
E. Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI)
To identify possible facilities that could contribute to contamination near the Batavia Landfill, the NYS DOH searched the 1989 Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI). TRI is developed by the US EPA from the chemical release (air, water and soil) information provided by those industries that are required to report contaminant emissions and releases on an annual basis. No facilities were listed within 2.5 miles of this site. TRI will not be discussed further in this public health assessment.
This section of the public health assessment (PHA) identifies potential and completed exposure pathways associated with past, present and future use of the site. An exposure pathway is the process by which an individual may be exposed to contaminants originating from a site. An exposure pathway is comprised of five elements, including: (1) a contaminant source; (2) environmental media and transport mechanisms; (3) a point of exposure; (4) a route of exposure; and (5) a receptor population.
The source of contamination is the source of contaminant release to the environment (any waste disposal area or point of discharge); if the original source is unknown, it is the environmental media (soil, air, biota, water) which are contaminated at the point of exposure. Environmental media and transport mechanisms "carry" contaminants from the source to points where human exposure may occur. The exposure point is a location where actual or potential human contact with a contaminated medium may occur. The route of exposure is the manner in which a contaminant actually enters or contacts the body (i.e., ingestion, inhalation, dermal adsorption). The receptor population is the persons who are exposed or may be exposed to contaminants at a point of exposure.
Two types of exposure pathways are evaluated in the PHA; a completed exposure pathway exists when the criteria for all five elements of an exposure pathway are documented; a potential exposure pathway exists when the criteria for any one of the five elements comprising an exposure pathway is not met. An exposure pathway is considered to be eliminated when any one of the five elements comprising an exposure pathway has not existed in the past, does not exist in the present and will never exist in the future.
Completed pathways indicate that exposure to a contaminant has occurred in the past, is currently occurring, or will occur in the future. Potential pathways indicate that exposure to a contaminant could have occurred in the past, could be occurring now, or could occur in the future. The discussion that follows incorporates only those pathways that are important and relevant to the site.
A. Completed Exposure Pathways
Groundwater
Groundwater is contaminated in three water producing aquifers at the site, the upper fill/soil zone, the lower soil zone and the upper bedrock zone. Groundwater contamination has been detected on-site in all three aquifers (see Table 1). The aquifers are connected and groundwater flows radially out from the site. Groundwater is not being used on-site.
Groundwater contamination has been detected off-site in private residential wells east and south of the site. Low level contamination (at or below NYS DOH drinking water standards) persists in at least fourteen private residential wells as determined by the most recent sampling of household tap water performed during January 1992. Exposures to contaminants in groundwater occur via ingestion; dermal contact and absorption during showering, bathing, or other household uses; and inhalation of aerosols and vapors from water used in the household. When providing the private well data to the residents, NYS DOH has suggested means to minimize human exposure from occurring via this exposure pathway.
Although contaminants were reported in off-site groundwater samples collected in 1982 from the Village of Oakfield municipal wells and the trailer park near the site, VOCs have not been found in subsequent samples. If site use changes or remedial work does not eliminate the migration of contaminants in groundwater, future exposures could occur. Therefore, on-site groundwater must be monitored routinely to identify all trends or changes in the migration and concentration of contaminants.
B. Potential Exposure Pathways
Subsurface Soil and Waste Material
Although site access is not restricted, it is highly unlikely that trespassers could be exposed to on-site soil and waste material contaminants which are covered with at least three to four feet of soil. However, if the site were to be excavated and used for residential development, future residents could be exposed to these contaminants through soil ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. In addition, if residential gardening were to occur, then residents would also be exposed by ingestion of vegetables grown in contaminated soil.
If future remedial activities and/or future on-site excavations are conducted, workers could be exposed to contaminants by direct (skin) contact, inhalation and accidental ingestion. Future exposures to site workers would be minimized if appropriate health and safety guidelines are followed.
Surface Water and Sediment
Contaminants are present in both on-site and off-site surface waters and sediments. Unauthorized users of the site may be exposed to contaminants in on-site surface waters and sediments via direct skin contact, accidental ingestion and inhalation. However, trespassers are unlikely to enter the site. Persons engaged in recreational activities in the adjacent wetlands may be exposed to site contaminants in wetland sediments and surface waters.
C. Eliminated Exposure Pathways
Groundwater is used to irrigate food crops near the site. However, the contaminants in groundwater are not likely to accumulate in the food chain. The contaminants of concern in off-site groundwater are VOC's and iron. VOCs evaporate from water readily, especially when sprayed. The irrigation technique for the food crops is spraying. Also, the food crops are grown in the summer time, when temperatures are higher, which would increase the volatilization of VOCs from irrigation water. Iron is normally found in soil at 10,000 to 40,000 mg/kg. Although the water may contribute additional iron to the soil, it will be minimal compared to the amount already there. Iron is a contaminant of concern in groundwater because of taste and odor considerations in drinking water and not because of possible health effects. As a result, the transfer of contaminants from the groundwater to the irrigated crops is not a concern. Therefore, this pathway has been eliminated from further discussion in this public health assessment.
An analysis of the toxicological implications of the human exposure pathways of concern is presented below. To evaluate the potential health risks from contaminants of concern associated with the Batavia Landfill site, the NYS DOH has assessed the risks for cancer and noncancer health effects. The health effects are related to contaminant concentration, exposure pathway, exposure frequency and duration. For additional information on how the NYS DOH determined and qualified health risks applicable to this health assessment, see Appendix F.
For an undetermined period of time (less than 21 years), the Village of Oakfield municipal wells, a trailer park well and a number of residential wells near the Batavia Landfill site were contaminated with volatile organic chemicals (see Table 5). These wells were sampled between 1982-1992. Contaminant levels in drinking water prior to this sampling are not known. Levels of methylene chloride (10 mcg/L), trichloroethene (20 mcg/L), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (240 mcg/L), trans-1,2-dichloroethene (7.1 mcg/L), and trichlorofluoromethane (11 mcg/L) were found to exceed New York State public drinking water standards for each of these VOCs (see Table 6). Chronic exposure to chemicals in drinking water is possible by ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation from water uses such as showering, bathing and cooking. Although exposure varies depending on an individual's lifestyle, each of these exposure routes contributes to the overall daily uptake of contaminants and thus increases the potential for chronic health effects.
Methylene chloride and trichloroethene (ATSDR, 1991 d,e) have caused cancer in laboratory animals exposed to high levels over their lifetimes. Chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals may also increase the risk of cancer in humans who are exposed to lower levels over long periods of time. Whether or not these two VOCs cause cancer in humans is not known. Based on the results of animal studies and limited sampling of private water supply wells, it is estimated that persons exposed to drinking water contaminated with methylene chloride and trichloroethene could have a low increased risk of developing cancer. Toxicological data are inadequate to assess the carcinogenic potential of 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloroethene and trichlorofluoromethane, (ATSDR, 1989b, 1990e, US EPA, 1991).
1,1,1-Trichloroethane is known to damage the nervous system, liver and cardiovascular system at exposure concentrations several orders of magnitude greater than those measured in these private water supply wells. Methylene chloride, trichloroethene, trans-1,2-dichloroethene and trichlorofluoro-methane are known to produce noncarcinogenic toxic effects, primarily to the nervous system, the liver and the kidneys, at exposures several orders of magnitude greater than exposure from these private and municipal wells. Chemicals that cause effects in humans and/or animals after high levels of exposure may also pose a risk to humans who are exposed to lower levels over long periods of time. Although the risks of noncarcino-genic effects from past exposures are not completely understood, the existing data suggest that they are minimal for these VOCs.
The health risks from ingesting iron at the highest levels found in drinking water (3,230 mcg/L) are minimal. Iron is an essential nutrient but ingestion of extremely large amounts can lead to accumulation in the body and to tissue damage. Its presence in drinking water, however, is objectionable primarily due to its affect on taste and staining of laundry and plumbing fixtures (WHO, 1984).
The NYS DOH has collected off-site groundwater samples periodically since 1989. Groundwater samples have been collected from the Village of Oakfield drinking water municipal wells, two trailer parks and forty-five residential wells and analyzed for VOCs. Low level contamination (at or below NYS DOH drinking water standards) persists in at least fourteen private residential wells as determined by the most recent samplings of household tap water performed during October 1991 and January 1992. One residential well contained 1,1,1-trichloroethane at 6 mcg/L which slightly exceeds the NYS drinking water standard of 5 mcg/L, but is less than the U.S. EPA drinking water standard of 200 mcg/L. The toxicological properties of 1,1,1-trichloroethane have already been discussed. Although the risk of adverse health effects from long-term exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane in drinking water at 6 mcg/L are not completely understood, the existing data suggest that they are minimal.
The following discussions of the toxicological properties and associated health concerns for the site contaminants addressed below relate only to potential human exposure pathways (i.e., if human exposures were to occur). This is also true for items 4, 5 and 6 of this subsection, which discuss health concerns associated with potential human exposure pathways to site-related contamination.
As indicated in Table 1, on-site groundwater is contaminated with organic chemicals and metals at concentrations that exceed New York State groundwater and/or drinking water standards or guidelines. Municipal and private drinking water supply wells close to the site, therefore, could become contaminated from on-site groundwater by plume migration. Although dilution of contaminants in drinking water may occur during plume migration, it is also possible that the measured levels were not the maximum levels that could have been found in on-site groundwater if additional monitoring had been done. Thus, it is reasonable to use the highest contaminant levels detected in on-site groundwater to determine potential health risks to users of off-site private and municipal wells (see below).
Organic Compounds
Vinyl chloride and benzene are known human carcinogens (ATSDR, 1991 b,f). Chronic exposure to the highest level of vinyl chloride and benzene could pose high and low increased cancer risks, respectively. Trichloroethene and 1,1-dichloroethane cause cancer in laboratory animals exposed to high levels over their lifetimes (ATSDR, 1990c, d; 1991e). Based on the results of animal studies, chronic exposure to 1,1-dichloroethane at the highest levels found in on-site groundwater could pose a moderate increased cancer risk, whereas exposure to trichloroethene at the highest levels found could pose a low risk. Toxicological data are inadequate to assess the carcinogenic potential of acetone, 2-butanone, chloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloroethene, ethylbenzene, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, 4-methyl-phenol, phenols, toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and xylenes (ATSDR, 1989a, b, c; 1990b, c, e, f, h, i; US EPA, 1991).
The chlorinated contaminants, as well as acetone, 2-butanone, the phenols, toluene and ethylbenzene produce noncarcinogenic toxic effects primarily to the liver, the kidneys and the nervous system. Benzene is known to cause damage to blood-cell forming tissues and to the immune system (ATSDR, 1991b). Except for vinyl chloride, all these contaminants produce their effects following exposures which are several orders of magnitude greater than the potential exposure to on-site groundwater at the Batavia Landfill site. The existing data suggest that the risks of noncarcinogenic health effects could be high for vinyl chloride and 2-butanone and low for combined exposure to all the other contaminants already noted to be present in on-site groundwater.
Metal Contaminants
Metal contaminants of potential concern in on-site groundwater include arsenic, barium, lead, magnesium, manganese and iron. The following is a summary of the potential health effects from exposure to these metals. Arsenic can cause nerve, liver, blood vessel damage and behavioral problems including learning and hearing deficiencies (ATSDR, 1991a). Chronic arsenic poisoning is characterized by a distinct pattern of skin abnormalities. Chronic exposure to lead is predominantly associated with neurological and hematological effects (ATSDR, 1991c). The developing fetus and young children are particularly sensitive to lead-induced neurological effects. Ingestion of high concentrations of barium may cause cardiovascular effects, including increased blood pressure, damage to heart muscle and changes in heart rhythm and also has been associated with kidney, neurological and gastrointestinal effects (ATSDR, 1990a). Exposure to high manganese concentrations primarily causes nervous system effects (ATSDR, 1990g). Magnesium is an essential element in human nutrition and magnesium salts are used extensively in antacids and laxatives. High levels of magnesium salts in drinking water (see Table 1) could have a laxative effect, particularly for new users, although the human body can adapt to this effect with time (NAS, 1977). Iron is an essential nutrient but ingestion of extremely large amounts can lead to accumulation in the body and tissue damage. Its presence in drinking water, however, is objectionable primarily due to its affect on taste and staining of laundry and plumbing fixtures (WHO, 1984). However, at the highest level of 141,000 mg/L iron could cause adverse health effects in infants (Henretig and Temple, 1984). Exposure to drinking water contaminated with lead, manganese and barium at concentrations found in on-site groundwater would pose a high increased risk of adverse health effects, whereas the increased risk from exposure to arsenic would be moderate.
If the Batavia Landfill site were excavated and developed for residential use, future residents could be exposed to contaminants in on-site soil and waste materials which could pose a high health risk particularly if residential gardening were to occur. The primary contaminants of concern would be arsenic, lead and chromium. The toxicological properties of arsenic and lead have already been discussed. The primary toxic effects associated with ingestion of large amounts of chromium have been kidney damage, birth defects and adverse effects on the reproductive system (ATSDR, 1991c).
Persons engaged in on-site clean-up (remediation) activities have a potential for exposure by multiple routes to organic and metal contaminants (Table 2). However, use of proper procedures, appropriate dust suppression methods and monitoring of ambient air for organic vapors during clean-up would minimize any low level increased risk to clean-up workers and nearby residents.
As indicated in Table 4, the sediments contain metals, notably lead and chromium which could present a high public health risk, particularly to children who could play in these areas on a frequent basis. Surface water from these wetlands contain metals and organic contaminants, but at levels which would pose a minimal risk of adverse health effects (see Table 3).
B. Health Outcome Data Evaluation
NYS DOH has not evaluated health outcome data for the Batavia Landfill site. Because the health risks have been low from exposure to contaminants in drinking water and the exposed population is small, it is unlikely that any health effect(s) can be related to exposure using currently available health outcome data bases. Therefore, health outcome databases will not be searched at this time. However, people exposed to VOCs in drinking water will be considered for addition to the NYS DOH registry being developed for VOC exposures from drinking water. Periodically, this registry will be matched with the cancer registry and the congenital malformations registry to evaluate possible adverse health outcome.
C. Community Health Concerns Evaluation
We have addressed each of the community concerns about health as follows:
Although in 1982 the municipal wells were reported to be contaminated with trichlorofluoromethane, subsequent samples from the municipal wells have not been contaminated. Monitoring wells BL-16R and BL-25R are located between the landfill and the municipal wells. Regular sampling of these monitoring wells will provide an early warning of the migration of contaminants towards the municipal wells. If contamination is found in the monitoring wells, appropriate action to protect the public water supply would be taken. In addition, routine monitoring that is mandated by New York State will detect contamination in the municipal wells. All data generated from samples collected by the NYS DOH are maintained on file in NYS DOH office in Albany, New York.
Since the samples collected from the municipal wells by the NYS DOH have found no contamination, the public water is suitable for all uses and by all members of the population.
The most recent data would indicate that a new source of drinking water that is located a greater distance from the landfill is not necessary. The NYS DOH will continue to monitor for the presence of contaminants in the municipal wells on a routine basis. If contamination is detected, controls will be implemented to minimize human exposure from occurring and this question will be re-addressed.
The residents using private wells near the site were concerned about the quality of the groundwater which they use for drinking, cooking and bathing. Specifically, these concerns were as follows:
The following contaminants have been found in samples of off-site groundwater: 1,1-dichloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloro-ethene, iron, methylene chloride, total phenols, tetrachloro-ethene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethene and trichloro-fluoromethane. The concentration range for these contaminants are identified in Table 5 (Appendix B).
Some residents near the site have been exposed to contaminants in off-site groundwater. Although the risks of noncarcinogenic effects from these exposures are not completely understood, the existing data suggest that they are low for these chemicals. Further information concerning specific health effects can be found in the Public Health Implications section.
The NYS DOH has recommended that the public water supply be made available to those residents with contaminants in their private drinking water wells (see Appendix E). This recommendation was forwarded to the US EPA for action. In response, the US EPA is performing an accelerated focused feasibility study to determine the best manner in which to address off-site groundwater contamination. One possible solution is to extend public water to those areas with contaminated groundwater.
