PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
BUCKEYE RECLAMATION LANDFILL
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO
Buckeye Reclamation Landfill is a public health hazard because of possible exposure to phenols in surface leachate, and the potential for drinking water supplies to become contaminated. Workers at the landfill may have been exposed to site-related chemicals, through skin contact to and inhalation of phenolic compounds in leachate. Phenols are easily absorbed through the skin. The seeps were outside of the fenced Waste Pit area. Leachate contained chemicals which were also present in the Waste Pit, including volatile organic and semivolatile organic compounds. Trespassers, which would include hunters, motorcyclists, and possibly children may also be at risk of exposure. Although workers at the landfill may have been exposed to site-related chemicals, most of the 13 workers were employed at the landfill for two years or less and the exposure duration is not likely to result in health effects.
Groundwater on site contained VOCs. Benzene was detected in nearly all of the monitoring wells on site. Arsenic and chromium were also present in on-site groundwater. No current use for on-site groundwater exists and human exposure from on-site groundwater is not occurring, however, groundwater on site may recharge on-site portions of Kings Run and the off-site alluvial aquifer. This may lead to more extensive, future contamination. At the time of the Remedial Investigation, only one residential well contained toluene at very low levels. The concentration was so low that health effects would not occur. In addition, one residential well contained a relatively high concentration level of lead. The presence of lead in this one sample may not be related to the site, however, it is of public health concern because of the health effects of exposure to lead.
Past mining in the area and disposal of mine waste may enhance
movement of contaminants from the soil into the shallowest aquifer
(gob aquifer) and from there into the other aquifers. The
interconnections between the aquifers may enhance contaminant
transport, however, groundwater flow data is insufficient to
accurately determine the extent of contaminant migration from the
site.
1. Wear proper protective clothing during remedial activities to reduce possible exposure to contaminated soil and dust.
2. Collect additional samples from the off-site alluvial aquifer to accurately determine if this aquifer is hydrologically connected to the on-site aquifers.
3. Collect additional groundwater samples from the Redstone Aquifer to determine the extent of contamination and groundwater flow in this aquifer.
4. Resample the residential well which contained lead to confirm the initial results.
5. Monitor off-site private wells to determine the extent of contaminant migration and to ensure that residents near the site do not use contaminated groundwater.
Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) Recommendations:
The data and information developed in the Buckeye Reclamation
Landfill Public Health Assessment have been evaluated for follow-up
health actions. A community health education program will be
considered, if community response indicates a need for assistance
in understanding the potential for exposure to site-related
chemicals. In addition, because the number of workers on site
during landfill operations is so small, an epidemiological
investigation is not likely to provide useful information.
The Public Health Action Plan for the Buckeye Reclamation Landfill contains a description of actions to be taken by ATSDR and the Ohio Department of Health.
1. The Ohio Department of Health will evaluate additional environmental monitoring data.
2. The Ohio Department of Health will work with the Ohio EPA to insure that the private well containing lead is addressed.
3. ATSDR and the Ohio Department of Health will consider a
community health education program if community response indicates
a need.
Tracy L. Shelley, M.S.
Chief, Health Assessment Branch
Ohio Department of Health
Robert C. Frey, Ph.D
Geologist, Health Assessment Branch
Ohio Department of Health
Irena Scott, Ph.D
Researcher, Health Assessment Branch
Ohio Department of Health
Reviewed by B. Kim Mortensen, Ph.D
Chief, Bureau of Epidemiology and Toxicology
Ohio Department of Health
ATSDR Regional Representative
Louise Fabinski
Region V
Regional Services
Office of the Assistant Administrator, ATSDR
ATSDR Technical Project Officer
Richard R. Kauffman
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Remedial Program Branch
CERTIFICATION
This Buckeye Reclamation Landfill public health assessment was prepared by the Ohio 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 begun.
Richard R. Kauffman
Technical Project Officer, SPS, RPB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this public health assessment, and concurs with its findings.
Juan J. Reyes for
Director, DHAC, ATSDR
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