PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
BRIDGEPORT RENTAL AND OIL SERVICE
LOGAN TOWNSHIP, GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
Based upon information reviewed, the BROS Site is considered a public health hazard because of past exposures, and is currently considered an indeterminate public health hazard. As noted in the Pathways Analysis section of this document, human exposure to site related contaminants has occurred in the past. The indeterminate nature of the current health hazard is based on the fact that site related contaminants are migrating off-site and may have contaminated groundwater in an area where residential wells are in current use.The contaminants detected in this groundwater are of sufficient concentrations as to constitute a public health hazard.
Currently, the past exposure of those residents north and west of BROS, originally exposed to site related contaminants has been eliminated or reduced. This was accomplished by providing affected residents with an approved public water supply. However, it is not known for certain how many of these residents continue to use the groundwater for other purposes.
The new groundwater data collected during Phase 2 of the RI/FS indicates that the groundwater is much more contaminated than first suspected, particularly towards the southeast of the site. The contamination is suspected to have moved well past the most distant monitoring wells and therefore its extent is not known. Exposure to levels of contaminants above their health comparison values may be taking place.
The presence of TCE and PCB in residential wells, noted in the September 1992 USEPA sampling, could not be confirmed. Should future sampling substantiate the presence of these contaminants, their toxicological significance will be evaluated.
Environmental data for surface soil do not adequately characterize the extent and nature of on-site and off-site contamination that may exist. Insufficient data exist to determine whether residents are being potentially exposed to contaminated soil, particularly in the Little Timber Creek area.
At least one of the ponds, Gaventa Pond, appear to have some site related contamination. There is very little data available on surface water contamination to adequately characterize the public health implications of this situation.
There was no data available on the potential contamination of biota. Residents who fish in these ponds, particularly in Gaventa Pond, may potentially expose themselves to contaminants. In addition, peaches from the nearby orchard have not been sampled.
Although air monitoring equipment was observed on the site perimeter, during our site visit, no air data was available for review and analysis. Therefore, the public health implications of potential air contamination could not be evaluated.
Remedial activities specified in the Record of Decision for the BROS site, when implemented, are sufficient to address the current concerns of the ATSDR, the NJDOH, and the community regarding the site and are consistent with protection of the public health.
Cease/Reduce Exposure Recommendations
Site Characterization Recommendations
HEALTH ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDATION PANEL (HARP) RECOMMENDATION
The data and information developed in the Public Health Assessment for the Bridgeport Rental and Oil Service, Logan Township, New Jersey, has been evaluated by ATSDR's Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) for appropriate follow-up with respect to health activities. The panel determined that community health education is needed; however, the level of educational activity will be determined by the NJDOH following an evaluation of, among other factors, comments received during the public comment period for this assessment.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the BROS site contains a description of the actions that have been or will 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.
Actions Taken
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 Public Health Assessment for the Bridgeport Rental and Oil Service 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 public health assessment was initiated.
Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation (DHAC), ATSDR, has reviewed this
Public Health Assessment and concurs with its findings.
Division Director, DHAC, ATSDR
PREPARERS OF REPORT
Preparer of Report:
Jeffrey J. Winegar
Research Scientist; ATSDR Health Assessment Project
Environmental Health Service
New Jersey Department of Health
ATSDR Regional Representative:
Arthur Block
Senior Regional Representative; Region II
Regional Operations
Office of the Assistant Administrator
ATSDR Technical Project Officer:
Gregory V. Ulirsch
Environmental Health Engineer
Remedial Programs Branch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Any questions concerning this document should be directed to:
ATSDR Project Manager
New Jersey Department of Health
Environmental Health Service
210 South Broad Street
CN 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
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